Ollie Frith

International Behaviour Specialist at CPI

Sector: Education and Children and Young People

"Through positive rapport and thoughtful communication, we can achieve great things."

Topics of Expertise

If we truly want to change the behaviour within our School or College, then we have to stop trying to “manage behaviour” and start to proactively generate a sense of togetherness and community, leading people into sustained improved behaviour.

Ways we can generate a positive classroom culture, through reflecting on our own behaviours and striving toward egoless learning environments.

Consistency is something every school strives for, but consistency isn’t found in flow charts or pyramids, consistency is created by people working together across the school in a relational way.

A school culture that supports the management of the most distressed students brilliantly is the key to calm, predictable learning environments.

Untangle the chaos of punishment and blame and de-escalate situations reducing the need for physical intervention. Prevention has to be the cure.

Recognise the role of the teacher as performer in maintaining appropriate energy in the classroom and when to be in the spotlight or the shadows to support effective learning.

Discover the transformative power of storytelling in the classroom exploring how narrative techniques can engage students, enhance learning and improve behaviour.

Biography

Ollie is a dynamic educator and presenter with over 15 years of experience in challenging schools. As the former Head of Training at Pivotal Education and current Director at CPI International, Ollie continues to innovate in student behaviour, engagement and independent learning. As a drama teacher, he sought to find ways to bring greater creative value to teaching and learning. Ollie worked for over 16 years in a multitude of educational settings, with a range of different learners, from the highly motivated, to the most challenging and layered young people. He continues to develop approaches to improve the way adults communicate with children and young people.

"Ollie was brilliant! It isn't easy to hold the attention of adults for hours but he did amazingly. He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and interesting."

Wellington College International School

Discover our Speaker in action

Articles and Publications

“Positive Handling” is anything but Positive.

Educators know that restraint in schools should only ever be used as a last resort. Even with the best training in the world, the use of any physical intervention can become a breach of a child’s boundaries.

Restorative practices vs restrictive practices in school: Which approach works best?

The notion of tailoring structures to individuals won over numerous advocates and there was a recognition that treating everyone the same was not the same as treating everyone equally.

Win Over Colleagues with a Hearts & Minds INSET

Searching Dr Google for physical ailments is something we all do even though we know it will likely present us with all kinds of worst-case scenarios. Searching for “behaviour management strategies” carries a similar experience and rarely presents the educator with sufficient information.

Make Your School INSET Training Actionable and Sustainable

It’s 1988 and Kenneth Baker, the then Education secretary launches his strategy, in line with the new national curriculum to “raise standards in teachers and schools”.