In schools, clear and confident communication isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s essential. Whether managing workload, handling difficult conversations with parents, supporting colleagues, or preventing issues from escalating, assertiveness plays a quiet but powerful role in a healthy school culture.

 

This practical, highly interactive course is designed to help staff communicate clearly, calmly, and confidently—without tipping into aggression or defaulting to passivity.

 

Assertive individuals are able to get their point across, set boundaries, and manage conflict without upsetting others or themselves. Developing these skills supports staff wellbeing, reduces stress, and promotes professional relationships and harmony in the school environment.

 

The course includes video presentations, downloadable notes, interactive exercises, and a completion assignment, allowing participants to apply learning immediately in meetings, classrooms, and parent interactions.

 

Session 1 – Understanding Assertiveness

•  Assertive, passive, and aggressive communication styles

• Core assertiveness skills: body language, eye contact, tone of voice, phrasing

• Using “I” statements to express needs and concerns

 

Session 2 – Practical Assertiveness Techniques

• Techniques: broken record, fogging, enquiry, and workable compromise

• Confidently saying no and managing competing demands

• Making complaints effectively and handling difficult behaviour

• Encouraging assertiveness in more passive colleagues

 

The course is reflective and hands-on, using realistic school-based examples and exercises. Staff leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately and a personal plan for continuing to build assertiveness skills.

 

Outcomes – By the end of the course, participants will express their views, needs, and boundaries professionally; Say “no” or “not now” without guilt or conflict;   handle challenging conversations with colleagues, parents, and senior staff; manage criticism, complaints, and conflict calmly and constructively; reduce stress, resentment, and emotional overload; encourage assertiveness in themselves and others.