The Behaviour

Smart Story?

Transforming Behaviour Support: From Personal Experience to Nationwide Impact

Behaviour Smart was founded by Dean Cotton, a behaviour consultant with over 25 years of experience in education and care settings. Dean's journey began in 1992 as a Nursery Nurse, eventually working in schools for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Recognising the limitations of traditional incident recording methods, Dean introduced innovative techniques that reduced serious incidents by 98% and eliminated suspensions and exclusions in schools and care settings.

The pivotal moment came in 2019 when Dean's late wife, Karen, encouraged him to develop a system that would revolutionise behaviour support. Honouring her wish, Dean poured his experience and passion into creating Behaviour Smart. Since then, the platform has helped countless schools, children's homes, and healthcare settings across the UK and beyond.

Thanks for making this happen, Karen. x

Dean Cotton posing with teachers, school staff, and administrators at a behaviour management seminar, showcasing collaborative professional development in schools.
Dean Cotton with Mark Allen, Headteacher of Trinity St Edwards in Barnsley, standing in front of the school building, representing Behaviour Smart partnerships with UK schools.
Dean Cotton shaking hands with Frank Bruno during a keynote on behaviour management, highlighting Behaviour Smart’s engagement with education and public figures.

A Platform Built on Real-World Experience

Behaviour Smart isn't just another incident reporting tool. It's a comprehensive, AI-powered behaviour support software platform designed to:

Revolutionise behaviour support

Providing real-time insights and personalised interventions.

Reduce behavioural incidents

Through proactive strategies and timely interventions.

Improve outcomes in education and care

By fostering safer environments and stronger relationships.

Behaviour Smart logo – behaviour tracking and analytics platform for schools and care settings

The Behaviour Smart Journey

Transforming Behaviour Support: From Personal Experience to Nationwide Impact

Behaviour Smart was founded by Dean Cotton, a behaviour consultant with over 25 years of experience in education and care settings. Dean's journey began in 1992 as a Nursery Nurse, eventually working in schools for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Recognising the limitations of traditional incident recording methods, Dean introduced innovative techniques that reduced serious incidents by 98% and eliminated suspensions and exclusions in schools and care settings.

The pivotal moment came in 2019 when Dean's late wife, Karen, encouraged him to develop a system that would revolutionise behaviour support. Honouring her wish, Dean poured his experience and passion into creating Behaviour Smart. Since then, the platform has helped countless schools, children's homes, and healthcare settings across the UK and beyond.

Thanks for making this happen, Karen. x

Dean Cotton posing with teachers, school staff, and administrators at a behaviour management seminar, showcasing collaborative professional development in schools.
Dean Cotton with Mark Allen, Headteacher of Trinity St Edwards in Barnsley, standing in front of the school building, representing Behaviour Smart partnerships with UK schools.
Dean Cotton shaking hands with Frank Bruno during a keynote on behaviour management, highlighting Behaviour Smart’s engagement with education and public figures.

Revolutionising Behaviour Support for Schools and Care Settings

Smart tools for safer spaces, stronger relationships, and better outcomes.

At Behaviour Smart, every child, young person and vulnerable adult is believed to deserve a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive. Since 2019, the mission has been clear: to revolutionise behaviour support, reduce behavioural incidents, and improve outcomes for schools, children’s homes, and healthcare settings across the UK and beyond.

Students writing in class with Behaviour Smart logo overlay, illustrating AI-powered smart tools for safer spaces, stronger relationships, and better behaviour outcomes.

Driven by Feedback, Backed by Research

Shaped by lived experience and grounded in behavioural science.

The journey of Behaviour Smart is shaped by its users alongside behaviour and legal experts. Every feature, update, and resource is inspired by real feedback and practical needs. Whether it’s a request for a new tool or a tweak to save time, user experiences drive continuous development and improvement. Every suggestion is reviewed as a team, ensuring that Behaviour Smart evolves with the needs of schools, children’s homes, and care environments whilst keeping safe.

Smiling young girl with paint on her hand, representing student engagement and lived experiences shaping Behaviour Smart’s research-backed behaviour solutions.

Built on Expertise, Trust, and Innovation

Created by educators, carers, and technologists with your safeguarding goals at heart.

Behaviour Smart is powered by a passionate team, combining decades of hands-on behaviour management with technical excellence and a commitment to doing things right.

Puzzle pieces forming the word EXPERTISE, with three labelled bottles showing experience, knowledge, and competence, representing Behaviour Smart’s foundation of expertise and trust.

Development

The team transforms user ideas into intuitive, effective features that make a real difference in behaviour management for schools and care settings.

Legal & Compliance

With independent assurance from Veritau, Behaviour Smart meets the highest standards of data protection and sector compliance, so you can trust the platform with what matters most.

Technical

This secure behaviour management software is reliable, robust, and always up-to-date, thanks to dedicated technical specialists.

Co-Created with Schools & Care Providers

Tested in real settings, refined through collaboration, and trusted nationwide.

Great software is never finished. Most resources are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the features users rely on, while always seeking new ways to add value. The product roadmap is shaped by your needs, your feedback, and the ever-evolving landscape of education and care.

Shaping the Future of Behaviour Support

Leading the way in AI-powered, trauma-informed behaviour systems.

Today, Behaviour Smart supports thousands of users across special schools, mainstream schools, children’s homes, and healthcare environments. The journey is ongoing, and Dean and the team are excited to keep working side-by-side with educators, carers, and professionals who share the vision for better behaviour support and improved outcomes.

Thank you for being part of this story. Together, we’re shaping a smarter, safer, and more supportive environment for every child and young person.

Data analytics graphic with an upward-trending graph and Behaviour Smart logo, symbolising evidence-based insights driving improved behaviour outcomes in schools and care settings.

A Platform Built on Real-World Experience

Behaviour Smart isn't just another incident reporting tool. It's a comprehensive, AI-powered behaviour support software platform designed to:

Revolutionise behaviour support

Providing real-time insights and personalised interventions.

Reduce behavioural incidents

Through proactive strategies and timely interventions.

Improve outcomes in education and care

By fostering safer environments and stronger relationships.

Students writing in class with Behaviour Smart logo overlay, illustrating AI-powered smart tools for safer spaces, stronger relationships, and better behaviour outcomes.

Revolutionising Behaviour Support for Schools and Care Settings

Smart tools for safer spaces, stronger relationships, and better outcomes.

At Behaviour Smart, every child, young person and vulnerable adult is believed to deserve a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive. Since 2019, the mission has been clear: to revolutionise behaviour support, reduce behavioural incidents, and improve outcomes for schools, children’s homes, and healthcare settings across the UK and beyond.

Driven by Feedback, Backed by Research

Shaped by lived experience and grounded in behavioural science.

The development of Behaviour Smart is shaped by its users alongside behaviour and legal experts. Every feature, update, and resource is inspired by real feedback and practical needs. Whether it's a request for a new tool or a tweak to save time, user experiences drive continuous development and improvement. Every suggestion is reviewed as a team, ensuring that Behaviour Smart evolves with the needs of schools, children's homes, and care environments while maintaining safety and compliance.

Smiling young girl with paint on her hand, representing student engagement and lived experiences shaping Behaviour Smart’s research-backed behaviour solutions.
Puzzle pieces forming the word EXPERTISE, with three labelled bottles showing experience, knowledge, and competence, representing Behaviour Smart’s foundation of expertise and trust.

Built on Expertise, Trust, and Innovation

Created by educators, carers, and technologists with your safeguarding goals at heart.

Behaviour Smart is powered by a passionate team. The team transforms user ideas into intuitive, effective features that make a real difference in behaviour management for schools and care settings.

Development

The team transforms user ideas into intuitive, effective features that make a real difference in behaviour management for schools and care settings.

Legal & Compliance

With independent assurance from Veritau, Behaviour Smart meets the highest standards of data protection and sector compliance, so you can trust the platform with what matters most.

Technical

This secure behaviour management software is reliable, robust, and always up-to-date, thanks to dedicated technical specialists.

Co-Created with Schools & Care Providers

Tested in real settings, refined through collaboration, and trusted nationwide.

Great software is never finished. Most resources are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the features users rely on, while always seeking new ways to add value. The product roadmap is shaped by your needs, your feedback, and the ever-evolving landscape of education and care.

Students and teachers engaging in a creative classroom activity, drawing with crayons on a large canvas as part of Behaviour Smart’s hands-on approach to behaviour support.
Data analytics graphic with an upward-trending graph and Behaviour Smart logo, symbolising evidence-based insights driving improved behaviour outcomes in schools and care settings.

Shaping the Future of Behaviour Support

Leading the way in AI-powered, trauma-informed behaviour systems.

Today, Behaviour Smart supports thousands of users across special schools, mainstream schools, children's homes, and healthcare environments. The journey is ongoing, and Dean and the team are excited to keep working side-by-side with educators, carers, and professionals who share the vision for better behaviour support and improved outcomes.

Thank you for being part of this story. Together, we’re shaping a smarter, safer, and more supportive environment for every child and young person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Behaviour Smart?

Behaviour Smart was founded by Dean Cotton, a behaviour consultant with over 25 years of experience in education and care settings. His personal and professional experiences inspired the creation of the platform.

Why was Behaviour Smart created?

Behaviour Smart was created to address the limitations of traditional incident reporting and behaviour management methods. The platform uses AI-powered tools to improve behaviour outcomes and reduce incidents in schools and care settings.

Which settings can benefit from Behaviour Smart?

Behaviour Smart is suitable for a variety of environments, including mainstream schools, special schools, pupil referral units (PRUs), children’s homes, and care settings.

How does Behaviour Smart improve behaviour support?

The platform provides real-time incident recording, AI-driven analysis, personalised SMART plans, post-incident learning tools, and actionable insights to help staff manage and improve student behaviour efficiently.

What makes Behaviour Smart different from other behaviour management tools?

Behaviour Smart combines real-world experience, AI-powered insights, user-driven development, and compliance with UK safeguarding and data protection standards, making it a comprehensive solution for education and care settings.

How does user feedback influence Behaviour Smart?

Every feature and update in Behaviour Smart is shaped by user feedback, alongside insights from behaviour and legal experts, ensuring the platform evolves to meet the practical needs of schools, children’s homes, and care professionals.

Is Behaviour Smart compliant with UK data protection laws?

Yes, Behaviour Smart is Cyber Essentials certified and supported by Veritau, ensuring compliance with UK data protection and safeguarding requirements. Student data is stored securely and handled responsibly.

Can Behaviour Smart integrate with other systems?

Yes, Behaviour Smart integrates seamlessly with school Management Information Systems (MIS) via Wonde, allowing easy data transfer and centralised student information management.

How quickly can organisations start using Behaviour Smart?

Organisations can start quickly with free onboarding and staff training included. After the initial setup and training, schools and care providers are ready to use the platform immediately.

How do I get in touch with Behaviour Smart?

You can contact Behaviour Smart directly through the website, by email, or by calling 07498 219 287. The team offers fast, friendly, and effective support to help organisations get the most from the platform.

See real‑time results and insights from real practice to real change.

Discover how Behaviour Smart transforms incident data into personalised action, reflection, and effective behaviour plans. Book a free demo now

Customer Care

Behaviour Smart certifications – Cyber Essentials Certified and supported by Veritau as independent Data Protection Officer
Follow us on:

© Copyright 2019 - 2025 Behaviour Smart Ltd.

All Rights Reserved.

See real‑time results and insights from real practice to real change.

Discover how Behaviour Smart transforms incident data into personalised action, reflection, and effective behaviour plans. Book a free demo now

Customer Care

Behaviour Smart certifications – Cyber Essentials Certified and supported by Veritau as independent Data Protection Officer
Follow us on:

© Copyright 2019 - 2025 Behaviour Smart Ltd.

All Rights Reserved.