Understanding the Four Functions of Behaviour with Kelly Oldfield

About the Workshop

Why does a behaviour keep happening — and why might the same behaviour mean something different for different students?

In this practical workshop, Kelly Oldfield from Child Development & Behaviour Specialists will help educators look beyond surface behaviour and explore the four key functions that can drive behaviour:

Sensory • Escape or Avoidance • Attention • Tangible

Participants will learn how to recognise patterns, triggers and possible motivations using practical observation approaches, and consider how educator responses can be better matched to the underlying purpose of behaviour.

The session is designed to build confidence in moving away from simply reacting to what a behaviour looks like and towards more purposeful, evidence-informed responses.

Strategic Focus

Participants will explore how to:

• identify and understand the four primary functions that drive behaviour;

• use observation and information to recognise behavioural patterns and triggers; and

• apply targeted strategies that respond to underlying needs and support positive change.

Participants will leave with:

• a stronger understanding of why behaviours occur and how to interpret them;

• greater confidence in designing responses that match the function of behaviour; and

• practical approaches for creating greater consistency in how behavioural needs are supported.

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, 12 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.