At ACT Multi Academy Trust, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and understood. The Cambridgeshire Therapeutic Thinking (formerly STEPS) approach is central to our schools—a shared commitment to nurturing positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and a culture of belonging for every pupil.

“Behaviour is communication. Change the environment and you change the behaviour.”
— L. R. Knost

 

 

What is Cambridgeshire Therapeutic Thinking?

Therapeutic Thinking is more than a behaviour policy—it’s a philosophy that guides every adult and every interaction. We recognise that behaviour is a form of communication, and that understanding the ‘why’ behind actions is the key to helping children grow. By responding with empathy, consistency, and therapeutic strategies, we create environments where pupils feel safe to express themselves and learn from their experiences.

“When children feel seen, heard, and valued, they are empowered to make positive choices.”
— Therapeutic Thinking Practitioner

How Does Therapeutic Thinking Work in Our Schools?

• Consistent, Positive Expectations: Every classroom and playground has agreed routines and boundaries, helping children know what is expected and what is possible.
• Therapeutic Responses: Staff use restorative conversations, emotion coaching, and solution-focused strategies to help pupils reflect, repair, and move forward.
• Relationship-Based Practice: We prioritise connection over correction, building trust and respect between adults and children.
• Proactive Support: Early intervention and personalised plans ensure that pupils who need extra help receive it quickly and compassionately.
• Whole-School Culture: Therapeutic Thinking is embedded in assemblies, staff meetings, and family partnerships, creating a united approach to behaviour and wellbeing.

“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
— Hodding Carter

The Impact of Therapeutic Thinking

Across ACT schools, Therapeutic Thinking is transforming behaviour and relationships:

• Pupils feel safer, more respected, and more able to manage their emotions.
• Behaviour incidents are reduced, and restorative approaches lead to lasting change.
• Staff report greater confidence and consistency in responding to challenges.
• Families feel included and supported in their child’s journey.
• The whole school community benefits from a calmer, more positive atmosphere.

Our Promise

We promise to:

• Respond to every child with empathy, consistency, and therapeutic understanding.
• See behaviour as an opportunity for growth, not just a challenge to be managed.
• Work together—staff, families, governors, and pupils—to build a culture of respect, responsibility, and resilience.
• Keep the Therapeutic Thinking approach alive in our daily practice, ensuring every child’s emotional and behavioural needs are recognised and met.

“Children are not giving us a hard time. They are having a hard time.”
— Parenting Wisdom

Join Us in Building Brighter Futures

At ACT Multi Academy Trust, positive behaviour is everyone’s responsibility—and everyone’s opportunity. We invite you to discover Cambridgeshire Therapeutic Thinking in action, share your experiences, and help us build schools where every child can flourish.

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At ACT, we don’t just manage behaviour. We nurture it.