A workbook for the pupil, not the staff: what to say instead of “No”, how to ask for a break or for help, and when to use each.

Most refusal is a pupil telling us something without the words for it. This gives them the words. It works well with a TA one-to-one over a few short sessions, and the phrases they choose make strong self-advocacy outcomes for an EHCP or SEN Support plan.

What’s in it (16 pages)

• What’s Under My No? (a check-in on the real reasons)
• My Stuck Meter: 4 levels, so pupils catch it early
• Instead of No: 12 phrases that work better than “no”
• Say It Your Way practice scenarios
• The Break Deal: a break is a pause, not a way out
• “I Need Help” and “This Is Too Hard” lessons
• 8 role-play cards and 16 break and help cards (classroom, work placement and PE)
• My Instead of No Plan, a reflection page and a weekly tracker
• A page for adults: what to do when a pupil uses their words

Please note
This is classroom practice, not a behaviour policy. It does not cover restraint, seclusion or physical intervention; follow your school’s behaviour, positive handling and safeguarding policies, and the pupil’s EHCP or behaviour support plan if they have one.

Written by Jeremy D. Gooch, a teacher with 20+ years in education and a certified crisis prevention trainer. From The Transition Cliff.

Keywords: SEND, EHCP, Preparing for Adulthood, KS3, KS4, Post-16, self-advocacy, work refusal, pupil voice, break cards, asking for help, EHCP outcomes