The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Elizabeth Smith

Elizabeth Smith provides training, advice and support to school based staff, and delivering individual and group interventions to children and young people aged 3 to 19. She has taught in mainstream and special education settings in and around London including a secondary pupil referral unit.

Elizabeth is the author of many resources, including books that tackle issues such as self-harm and bullying and which provide training materials for staff development. She writes Social and Emotional Learning Update e-bulletin.

Latest blog posts

Elizabeth Smith

Eating disorders: laying the groundwork for positive discussion

Any lesson on eating disorders should be framed with clear, pre-determined ground rules and an emphasis on coping strategies, so you may lead pupils into a confident discussion. When addressing topics as sensitive as eating disorders, it is absolutely vital to establish clear rules before any...
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Elizabeth Smith

Using de-escalation techniques effectively

An increasing number of children do not respond to normal classroom discipline. Elizabeth Smith outlines the key points to remember when faced with exceptionally challenging behaviour. The number of children who are classified under the umbrella term 'social, emotional and mental health' (SEMH)...
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