The F.I.R.M. Approach For Teachers
Course Overview
Supporting Learning Through Regulation and Connection, While Maintaining Clear Boundaries and Accountability
The F.I.R.M.® Approach - Fair, Intentional, Regulated, and Modelling - provides educators with a structured, research-informed framework that supports both pupil wellbeing and effective teaching and learning. Grounded in educational and therapeutic practice, and aligned with relational, developmentally informed frameworks such as RELATE, it supports teachers in responding to children in a way that strengthens connection, supports regulation, and maintains firm limits and accountability.
Participants will explore how children's behaviour may reflect underlying emotional, developmental, or sensory needs, and consider how the adult's response influences classroom dynamics. The course offers practical, inclusive strategies suitable for a wide range of classroom contexts and pupil profiles, including neurodivergent learners.
The F.I.R.M.® Approach provides a consistent anchor for teachers, supporting calm and measured responses, reducing reliance on reactive practices, and contributing to sustained, positive change within the classroom environment.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Apply the F.I.R.M.® Approach as a clear, practical framework to respond effectively in both everyday and challenging classroom situations
- Use developmentally informed, relational strategies to support pupil regulation, connection, and engagement, without reliance on shouting, rewards or shame-based approaches
- Implement consistent, fair, simple and inclusive practices that support all learners, including neurodivergent pupils, while maintaining FIRM boundaries and promoting positive, sustainable classroom environments
About the Authors
Debbie Cullinane & Hayley Rice
Debbie Cullinane and Hayley Rice, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists, Play Therapists, and former primary school teachers have extensive experience working across educational and therapeutic settings. Debbie and Hayley bring a unique, dual perspective to their work - combining in-depth clinical knowledge with a practical understanding of the realities of the classroom. Together, they co-created the F.I.R.M.® Approach, a developmentally informed, relational framework designed to support children's regulation, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing, while also equipping adults with clear, adaptable, consistent, and practical strategies.
Through their work with families, schools, and professionals, they have supported thousands of children and adults in developing effective, connected, and sustainable approaches to behaviour and relationships. Their training and facilitation style is light hearted, grounded, practical, and reflective, with a strong emphasis on real-life application, inclusion, playfulness and supporting both pupil and teacher wellbeing.
Enrolment
This course runs in two iterations as follows:
- First iteration: Wednesday 1st July - Friday 17th July.
- Second iteration: Monday 3rd August - Friday 21st August.
Registration is subject to availability.
Access to courses closes at 5pm on the final date for each iteration as stated above.
Please note that there is NO FACILITY to change between iterations or to extend the time available for course completion.
This course is approved for E.P.V. certification by the Department of Education
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