Supporting behaviours perceived as challenging
This page contains and signposts to learning resources and information about supporting behaviour that is perceived as challenging. This includes learning resources and information about Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
Essentials of Learning Disability
Two modules about behaviour perceived as challenging are available in Essentials of Learning Disability:
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Important note
NES Learning Disabilities team will continue to review and update this page as required.
Some of the below links and resources will direct you to information sources that are external to NES. These have not been created by NES and have been included for your information only. The inclusion of these sources is not as a recommendation or an endorsement of the associated content.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a widely recognised framework for supporting people with learning disabilities and complex support needs. It is a person centred approach which aims to improve quality of life and reduce the occurrence and impact of behaviours that challenge. The information and resources within this section will support you to improve your knowledge and skills in PBS.
Animation Series
The 'What is PBS?' animation series from the PBS Community of Practice Scotland consists of 4 videos, each around 5 minutes long, discussing different aspects of PBS. The animations highlight the person-centred, collaborative and values-based components of the framework. In addition, the series acknowledges some of the uncertainty around PBS and offers thoughtful responses to support a clearer understanding of the PBS approach.
What is PBS? - 4 short animations
Understanding PBS Interactive Resource
Understanding PBS provides a comprehensive introduction to level one PBS for health and social care practitioners. It was developed by the PBS Community of Practice in conjunction with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and is available via the SSSC learning zone.
The 12 chapters can be completed as a whole or accessed individually as stand alone topics. Learning activities encourage real world reflection and consideration of practice change.
The resource will be of value to those providing care and support to people with learning disabilities, including family carers.
Please note that as of 5th September 2025, it is no longer possible to apply for Open Badges for Understanding PBS. Learners should continue to complete the learning activities and retain a note of their evidence for future recognition/certification.
Positive Behaviour Support - earlier resources
Information and learning around Positive Behaviour Support has been available for a number of years. As PBS has evolved it is important that education and training reflects current understanding and best practice. This includes recognising that different knowledge and skills in relation to PBS are required at different levels of practice.
'Understanding PBS' has been developed as a key resource for level 1 PBS in Scotland, and is the recommended resource for any grounding in PBS. Individuals and organisations can use the resource in any way that suits their needs, and further materials to support use of Understanding PBS will be available in the future.
This section contains some earlier learning resources which remain available for people to access if needed.
Previous NES PBS resources
Further information
The PBS Community of Practice is hosted by the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) and is committed to promoting the use of PBS and sharing good practice. Regular webinars and events are delivered. You can find out more and access a range of resources here: https://www.scld.org.uk/our-networks/positive-behaviour-support-pbs/
The Coming Home report into delayed discharges and out of area placements for people with learning disabilities and complex needs was published in 2018. PBS was highlighted as a key approach to improve outcomes for people, with recommendations to develop and embed this in Scotland.
You can read the implementation report here: Coming Home Implementation: report from the Working Group on Complex Care and Delayed Discharge