Escalation and De-Escalation: Strategy-Led Practice with Kelly Oldfield

About the Workshop

How can educators recognise escalation early and respond in ways that reduce rather than increase distress?

This practical workshop with Kelly Oldfield provides educators with strategies to recognise, prevent and respond to escalating behaviour using evidence-informed, strategy-led approaches.

Participants will explore the stages of escalation, early warning signs and communication techniques that help maintain safety and support regulation.

Through reflection and scenario-based learning, educators will consider how their own responses may need to change as a young person’s capacity to process language, problem-solve and respond to direction changes during escalation.

Strategic Focus

Participants will explore how to:

• identify early signs of escalation and use preventative, proactive strategies;

• strengthen de-escalation communication techniques that promote calm and safety; and

• develop reflective responses that reduce risk and support emotional regulation.

Participants will leave with:

• improved ability to recognise and respond to escalating behaviour safely and confidently;

• greater awareness of their own responses during high-stress interactions; and

• strategies for creating greater consistency across teaching teams when responding to challenging situations.

Who should attend?

Community language:

• teachers;

• school leaders and principals;

• teacher assistants;

• volunteers;

• wellbeing or student-support staff; and

• others involved in supporting students and classroom practice.

Session Details

Thursday, 19 November 2026
6:30–8:00 pm
Online via Zoom
Free professional learning

About Kelly Oldfield

Kelly Oldfield, GradDipPsych(Adv), BBS(Psych), is the Founder and Principal Behaviour Consultant at Child Development & Behaviour Specialists (CDBS) and author of Behaviour Is Not the Whole Story.

Kelly works nationally across education, early learning, OSHC, disability and care, providing evidence-based, solution-focused support in behaviour, development, practice and systems.