Tactical ignoring + spotlight compliance
Aim (what it achieves)
Starve minor attention-seeking while reinforcing the norm.
When to use
Minor noises, muttering, low-level antics that are not harming safety/learning significantly.
How to use (steps)
Teacher language (examples)
“Thank you—eyes this way.” “Good, straight into Q2.”
Top tips (makes it work)
Be selective: ignore only what is safe to ignore; stay consistent.
Common pitfalls
Ignoring serious behaviour; using it inconsistently; looking annoyed.
SEND/PP considerations
Reduces ‘performance’ for peers; helps pupils who rely on negative attention.
Tags
Sources
Used in
Behaviour Matrix
- Interrupt & Redirect Off-task / fiddling / low-level distraction
- Interrupt & Redirect Attention seeking / clowning / minor disruption
Related strategies
Anonymous group correction (reset without naming)
Correct widespread low-level disruption without triggering a public ‘battle’ with an individual.
Proximity and presence
Stop low-level disruption without breaking teaching flow.
Non-verbal signals (silent reminders)
Correct behaviour privately and quickly.
Least invasive intervention ladder
Match the smallest effective response to the behaviour.
Procedural seat change (quiet reset)
Break patterns (peer friction, chatting) without confrontation.
Prompt with a question (self-correction)
Encourage pupils to correct themselves without a battle.