Planned proximity ‘split’ (separate a pair without confrontation)
Aim (what it achieves)
Stop peer-driven disruption by breaking proximity subtly.
When to use
When two students feed off each other (chatting, bickering, clowning).
How to use (steps)
Teacher language (examples)
“You two: eyes on your page, start the first line.”
Top tips (makes it work)
Act early. Use calm, procedural language, not blame.
Common pitfalls
Waiting until it becomes a major incident; debating seat moves in public.
SEND/PP considerations
Helpful where peer influence is a driver (often PP). Give a dignified reason: “to help you focus”.
Useful for these SEND needs
Relevant SEND Needs
Why this strategy helps
- Uses low-arousal redirection to protect dignity.
- Reduces cognitive load and supports completion.
- Supports regulation and relational safety.
Universal SEND-friendly: Yes
SEND-targeted: No
Tags
Sources
Used in
Common Behaviour Issues (Behaviour Hub)
- Interrupt & Redirect Peer friction / bickering / low-level conflict
Related strategies
Procedural seat change (quiet reset)
Break patterns (peer friction, chatting) without confrontation.
Structured talk control (start/stop, roles, time)
Allow talk for learning without it turning into noise.
Anonymous group correction (reset without naming)
Correct widespread low-level disruption without triggering a public ‘battle’ with an individual.
‘Audience control’ (keep the class learning while you correct one student)
Prevent one student’s behaviour from becoming a class event.
Tactical ignoring
Reduce attention-seeking disruption by withholding attention from minor performance behaviour and reinforcing positive re-engagement.
Proximity and presence
Stop low-level disruption without breaking teaching flow.