Using 5P with Individuals
Both elements of the 5P Approach ( meeting needs and staying GREEN and Tackling the "Tricky" issues) are used at the individual level. As always with the 5P Approach, the best place to begin is with GREEN. The first step therefore is to set about creating an Individual GREEN Zone. (NB.The 5P Approach philosophy and framework promotes the involvement of the individual as far as possible in all stages of the process . Follow this link to find out more)
The GREEN zone represents where we want to be and where we want to stay, the “foundations” of good practice where the environment and approaches used generally ensure positive well-being and thus prevent behaviour issues from arising. Where any difficult behaviour which does occur is managed through general everyday /familiar tried and tested strategies and where new skills are taught and learned. Appropriate or desirable behaviour (often a new skill) is rewarded through using rewarding and intrinsically motivating activities or through use of specific reward systems/strategies. GREEN represents an environment where the individual and all adults have a “toolkit” of strategies to use to meet their needs and to call upon if things begin to go wrong and where the individual can be supported to develop their skills, self-management strategies and independence. The Individual GREEN Zone (IGZ) sets out the provision, resources and strategies required to meet the needs of the individual (Nb. If the individual has an EHCP it is also important to ensure that any strategies and resources included are added to the IGZ). It is important to see the IGZ as a working document, updating on a regular basis as new strategies and resources are used. The 5P Approach IGZ is organised into sections which cover all areas of need. Each section of the 5P IGZ is completed as fully as possible using information from those who know the individual well, from the individual, and from any reports and written information which might be available.
Creating and Individual GREEN zone - where do you start?
Understanding the individual and their needs and identifying what factors might lead to behaviour issues is a key first step to creating a GREEN Zone. This is where the first of the "P"s , PROFILE comes in. To make sure you have all the information you need about the individual, the 5P Profile is completed ( by everyone who knows the individual well and of course the individual themselves). Have reports, assessment info (including the 5P Approach Flexibility Assessment) and Statement/EHCP available for reference.
Using the information from the 5P Profile, complete the Individual GREEN Zone. Strategies & resources already used (or those you have now thought of!) are recorded in the section on Communication, Environment, Approaches to teaching & learning etc. depending on what they are. Any behaviour strategies already successfully in use (at GREEN ) are recorded in the "Day to Day strategies section at the end of the IGZ.
A breakdown of each section of the 5P Approach IGZ is set out below.
Communication: record what the individual needs to communicate their needs, views, thoughts and feelings to others, record what the adults need to ensure effective communication with the individual.
Environment: This sets out the structure and management of the environment such as use of workstations, calm spaces, organisation & colour scheme, positioning in class etc. as well as any physical resources. This also includes any details of peer group, grouping, opportunities for social activities, things to avoid etc.
Other needs; this section is used to record any resources or strategies relating to medical or self-care needs e.g. toileting, diet, physical or medical needs etc.
Approaches to Teaching & learning
This section looks at what is required to meet the learning needs of the individual and to support them to make progress. This is completed taking account of levels of learning, strengths and weaknesses, learning style preferences etc.
and includes curriculum, any specific programmes and resources and any specific support.
Day to day strategies at GREEN: this details any strategies already in place which you know work and will avoid issues form arising. This section grows as adults begin to work with and get to know the individual and as GREEN strategies from the Intervention Hierarchy or behaviour plan begin to work.
NB. If you already have working strategies in place at AMBER & RED, (Nb. these Red strategies should only be used rarely - if used frequently you haven't got it right - begin again!) and which fit with the 5P philosophy of promoting a move back to GREEN, you might want to record these either at the end of the IGZ or on the separate 5P Traffic Light Overview.r The Individual GREEN zone therefore sets out all the resources and strategies required to meet the individual's needs and to prevent issues from arising. It is therefore essential that everyone working with the individual understands and follows the recommendations in the IGZ.
Using the Second Element - Tackling the "Tricky" issues
Although the 5P Approach aims to place a focus on preventing issues from arising by keeping in the GREEN zone, things are never that easy! The 5P Approach Problem-solving Pathway is designed to work through the process of analysing any behaviour issues which might arise (looking at why a behaviour might be happening) and then creating a comprehensive behaviour plan, the 5P Approach Intervention Hierarchy. 5P resources such as the 5P Priority Sheet, the ABBBC chart and the 5P Problem-solving Flow Chart aid this process.
The Intervention Hierarchy is set out using the three GREEN AMBER and RED traffic light colours to form a hierarchy of responses i.e.
RED. These are strategies used to manage behaviour issues effectively,safely and with minimum risk. The use of a less supportive or a less rewarding / positive approach or action at the RED stage gives a signal to the individual that there is a difference between 1. recognising when things are going wrong and using strategies to overcome any problems and 2. when things have “gone too far” and the consequences are not so positive. In the 5P Approach, RED strategies act as signals NOT as punishments. The choice of RED action or strategy may vary and will depend on the age and maturity of the individual, the nature of the behaviour and the reason the behaviour has occurred but nonetheless it will act as a clear signal. Once at RED and the signal has been given, the aim is to manage the behaviour and get that individual back to GREEN as soon as possible.
In addition to clearly showing the individual the difference in consequence between and AMBER and RED behaviour, the distinction of the two stages, by using two different strategies, serves two main purposes.
1. Teaching skills and establishing understanding
2. Promoting independence and empowering the individual
The aim of using a RED strategy therefore is always to get back to GREEN asap – so they can be as quick as you like as long as you give a signal and the individual shows some kind of positive response e.g. stops, Get in quick, praise for stopping and move straight away to a diversion and then back to GREEN.
The 5P Approach Intervention Hierarchy aims to provide a short term behaviour plan. Once strategies are successful they can be added to the IGZ and another short term plan can be designed to address any outstanding behaviour issues.
The 5P Approach Intervention Hierarchy has a Review Sheet which is used to monitor and evaluate progress.
Why use the GREEN AMBER & RED hierarchy?
By teaching new skills and appropriate behaviour patterns (at AMBER and GREEN levels) some of the difficulties that arise can be addressed and this leads to permanent behaviour change. For example, if a RED behaviour is serving as a means of communication ( anger, upset, wanting something, avoiding something etc), it is unlikely to stop unless the individual has alternative means of communication (a new skill).
Joining the two 5P elements - creating the "Working with Me" (WwMe) pack
The two essential elements of the 5P Approach are combined to form a Positive Intervention Plan, the 5P Approach Working with Me pack.
The Individual Green Zone is at the heart of the 5P Approach "Working with Me" pack. This forms the working document which ensures that the individual continues to move forward and make progress and that the adults around the individual make changes as progress is made. The 5P Approach Working with Me pack comprises:-
You can read more about how to use the 5P Approach problem-solving pathway and plan an Intervention Hierarchy in Linda's first book "Practical Behaviour Management Solutions for Children & Teens with Autism"
You can download some examples of the 5P Approach worksheets from the RESOURCES pages
Now you have a comprehensive intervention pack aimed at meeting needs and preventing issues from arising and also dealing with any tricky issues when they arise. Share the WWM pack with everyone who is affected by this behaviour (including the individual) and make sure everyone agrees to be consistent and follow the plan. make sure the WWM is accessible to all. Review & update on a regular basis, adding any new strategies and resources as they are introduced (i.e.creating a working document). MAKE SURE THE WWM IS USED AS A KEY DOCUMENT FOR ALL TRANSITIONS!
Involving the Individual in the 5P Approach processes.
The 5P Approach philosophy and framework promotes the involvement of the individual as far as possible in all stages of the process . Follow this link to find out more
The GREEN zone represents where we want to be and where we want to stay, the “foundations” of good practice where the environment and approaches used generally ensure positive well-being and thus prevent behaviour issues from arising. Where any difficult behaviour which does occur is managed through general everyday /familiar tried and tested strategies and where new skills are taught and learned. Appropriate or desirable behaviour (often a new skill) is rewarded through using rewarding and intrinsically motivating activities or through use of specific reward systems/strategies. GREEN represents an environment where the individual and all adults have a “toolkit” of strategies to use to meet their needs and to call upon if things begin to go wrong and where the individual can be supported to develop their skills, self-management strategies and independence. The Individual GREEN Zone (IGZ) sets out the provision, resources and strategies required to meet the needs of the individual (Nb. If the individual has an EHCP it is also important to ensure that any strategies and resources included are added to the IGZ). It is important to see the IGZ as a working document, updating on a regular basis as new strategies and resources are used. The 5P Approach IGZ is organised into sections which cover all areas of need. Each section of the 5P IGZ is completed as fully as possible using information from those who know the individual well, from the individual, and from any reports and written information which might be available.
Creating and Individual GREEN zone - where do you start?
Understanding the individual and their needs and identifying what factors might lead to behaviour issues is a key first step to creating a GREEN Zone. This is where the first of the "P"s , PROFILE comes in. To make sure you have all the information you need about the individual, the 5P Profile is completed ( by everyone who knows the individual well and of course the individual themselves). Have reports, assessment info (including the 5P Approach Flexibility Assessment) and Statement/EHCP available for reference.
Using the information from the 5P Profile, complete the Individual GREEN Zone. Strategies & resources already used (or those you have now thought of!) are recorded in the section on Communication, Environment, Approaches to teaching & learning etc. depending on what they are. Any behaviour strategies already successfully in use (at GREEN ) are recorded in the "Day to Day strategies section at the end of the IGZ.
A breakdown of each section of the 5P Approach IGZ is set out below.
Communication: record what the individual needs to communicate their needs, views, thoughts and feelings to others, record what the adults need to ensure effective communication with the individual.
Environment: This sets out the structure and management of the environment such as use of workstations, calm spaces, organisation & colour scheme, positioning in class etc. as well as any physical resources. This also includes any details of peer group, grouping, opportunities for social activities, things to avoid etc.
Other needs; this section is used to record any resources or strategies relating to medical or self-care needs e.g. toileting, diet, physical or medical needs etc.
Approaches to Teaching & learning
This section looks at what is required to meet the learning needs of the individual and to support them to make progress. This is completed taking account of levels of learning, strengths and weaknesses, learning style preferences etc.
and includes curriculum, any specific programmes and resources and any specific support.
Day to day strategies at GREEN: this details any strategies already in place which you know work and will avoid issues form arising. This section grows as adults begin to work with and get to know the individual and as GREEN strategies from the Intervention Hierarchy or behaviour plan begin to work.
NB. If you already have working strategies in place at AMBER & RED, (Nb. these Red strategies should only be used rarely - if used frequently you haven't got it right - begin again!) and which fit with the 5P philosophy of promoting a move back to GREEN, you might want to record these either at the end of the IGZ or on the separate 5P Traffic Light Overview.r The Individual GREEN zone therefore sets out all the resources and strategies required to meet the individual's needs and to prevent issues from arising. It is therefore essential that everyone working with the individual understands and follows the recommendations in the IGZ.
Using the Second Element - Tackling the "Tricky" issues
Although the 5P Approach aims to place a focus on preventing issues from arising by keeping in the GREEN zone, things are never that easy! The 5P Approach Problem-solving Pathway is designed to work through the process of analysing any behaviour issues which might arise (looking at why a behaviour might be happening) and then creating a comprehensive behaviour plan, the 5P Approach Intervention Hierarchy. 5P resources such as the 5P Priority Sheet, the ABBBC chart and the 5P Problem-solving Flow Chart aid this process.
The Intervention Hierarchy is set out using the three GREEN AMBER and RED traffic light colours to form a hierarchy of responses i.e.
- GREEN = Meeting needs through supportive environment & approaches
- AMBER =Anticipating, pre-empting and de-escalating behaviour
- RED= Managing difficult issues with minimal risk and supporting a return to Green
RED. These are strategies used to manage behaviour issues effectively,safely and with minimum risk. The use of a less supportive or a less rewarding / positive approach or action at the RED stage gives a signal to the individual that there is a difference between 1. recognising when things are going wrong and using strategies to overcome any problems and 2. when things have “gone too far” and the consequences are not so positive. In the 5P Approach, RED strategies act as signals NOT as punishments. The choice of RED action or strategy may vary and will depend on the age and maturity of the individual, the nature of the behaviour and the reason the behaviour has occurred but nonetheless it will act as a clear signal. Once at RED and the signal has been given, the aim is to manage the behaviour and get that individual back to GREEN as soon as possible.
In addition to clearly showing the individual the difference in consequence between and AMBER and RED behaviour, the distinction of the two stages, by using two different strategies, serves two main purposes.
1. Teaching skills and establishing understanding
2. Promoting independence and empowering the individual
The aim of using a RED strategy therefore is always to get back to GREEN asap – so they can be as quick as you like as long as you give a signal and the individual shows some kind of positive response e.g. stops, Get in quick, praise for stopping and move straight away to a diversion and then back to GREEN.
The 5P Approach Intervention Hierarchy aims to provide a short term behaviour plan. Once strategies are successful they can be added to the IGZ and another short term plan can be designed to address any outstanding behaviour issues.
The 5P Approach Intervention Hierarchy has a Review Sheet which is used to monitor and evaluate progress.
Why use the GREEN AMBER & RED hierarchy?
By teaching new skills and appropriate behaviour patterns (at AMBER and GREEN levels) some of the difficulties that arise can be addressed and this leads to permanent behaviour change. For example, if a RED behaviour is serving as a means of communication ( anger, upset, wanting something, avoiding something etc), it is unlikely to stop unless the individual has alternative means of communication (a new skill).
Joining the two 5P elements - creating the "Working with Me" (WwMe) pack
The two essential elements of the 5P Approach are combined to form a Positive Intervention Plan, the 5P Approach Working with Me pack.
The Individual Green Zone is at the heart of the 5P Approach "Working with Me" pack. This forms the working document which ensures that the individual continues to move forward and make progress and that the adults around the individual make changes as progress is made. The 5P Approach Working with Me pack comprises:-
- The 5P Profile (about this individual)
- The Individual Green Zone (this is what this individual needs)
- The 5P Intervention Hierarchy(the current focus for behaviour intervention - the behaviour plan)
You can read more about how to use the 5P Approach problem-solving pathway and plan an Intervention Hierarchy in Linda's first book "Practical Behaviour Management Solutions for Children & Teens with Autism"
You can download some examples of the 5P Approach worksheets from the RESOURCES pages
Now you have a comprehensive intervention pack aimed at meeting needs and preventing issues from arising and also dealing with any tricky issues when they arise. Share the WWM pack with everyone who is affected by this behaviour (including the individual) and make sure everyone agrees to be consistent and follow the plan. make sure the WWM is accessible to all. Review & update on a regular basis, adding any new strategies and resources as they are introduced (i.e.creating a working document). MAKE SURE THE WWM IS USED AS A KEY DOCUMENT FOR ALL TRANSITIONS!
Involving the Individual in the 5P Approach processes.
The 5P Approach philosophy and framework promotes the involvement of the individual as far as possible in all stages of the process . Follow this link to find out more