Post Incident Learning App

Empowering Students and Service Users to Reflect, Learn, and Reduce Behaviour Incidents

The Behaviour Smart Post Incident Learning (PIL) app is included with all Behaviour Smart packages and is designed for students, young people, and service users to use following an incident. The app supports the completion of the post-incident learning section of Behaviour Smart and is based on research to teach individuals how to control their own behaviour.

The simplicity of PIL means it can be used independently or with support, and it can be personalised to the individual’s communication needs. PIL uses tried and tested theoretical approaches, focusing on three simple steps to effective post-incident analysis: experiences, feelings, and behaviours—developing a proactive approach to behaviour management.

The implementation of the PIL app in a mainstream secondary school resulted in a 64.5% reduction in behaviour incidents.

What are the benefits of Post Incident Learning?

Behavioural improvement and self-regulation.

The Post-Incident Learning (PIL) process helps students and service users reflect on behaviour, understand triggers and consequences, and build self-regulation skills using evidence-based methods—supporting lasting behaviour change.

Reduction in Behavioural Incidents

By addressing the root causes of incidents and promoting learning from them, PIL has been shown to reduce behavioural incidents by up to 65% within three months. This makes it an effective tool for creating safer and more supportive environments.

Customisation for Individual Needs

The PIL process can be tailored to meet individual communication needs, ensuring that it is accessible and effective for all users, regardless of their abilities or challenges.

Empowering Independence

The PIL app offered by Behaviour Smart allows users to complete the post-incident learning process independently or with support. This flexibility empowers individuals to take ownership of their learning and behaviour management journey.

Integration with Behaviour Plans

Insights gained from the PIL process are automatically integrated into Smart Plans and Risk Assessments, ensuring that behaviour management strategies are continuously updated and personalised based on real-time data

Support for Staff and Students

PIL provides structured guidance for staff to suggest strategies and interventions for managing behaviour. This includes responses to low, medium, and high-level behaviours, enhancing the overall support system for both staff and students.

Download the App Now!

Download the Behaviour Smart App

Take behaviour tracking and analysis with you—wherever you are. The Behaviour Smart mobile app makes it easy to record incidents, review behaviour plans, and access real-time insights from the classroom, playground, or care setting.

Instant behaviour logging
Access personalised plans on the go
Receive smart alerts and insights in real time

Behaviour Research That Drives Real Change

At Behaviour Smart, our approach is grounded in lived experience and academic research. After any incident, it’s critical that both the student and the adult are given the chance to reflect — so everyone can move forward together. This core belief powers our Post Incident Learning (PIL) approach: a structured, trauma-informed method that turns incidents into meaningful learning opportunities.

🎙️Explore Dean Cotton’s Behaviour Research
Behaviour Smart founder Dean Cotton has spent over 25 years working in and with special schools, SEMH provisions, and care settings. His research, training, and insights into behaviour management are helping transform how incidents are handled across the UK.

Read Dean's Published Research on PIL and Behaviour Support

View Dean Cotton’s academic papers and research

How Post-Incident Learning Creates Lasting Behaviour Change

Post-Incident Learning (PIL) isn’t just about reflection—it’s a powerful tool for creating meaningful, lasting behavioural change in schools, care settings, and therapeutic environments. By fostering accountability, emotional regulation, and proactive behaviour planning, PIL helps individuals build resilience and supports a culture of continuous improvement.

When embedded into daily practice, PIL empowers staff and students alike—shifting the focus from reactive measures to long-term, person-centred behaviour support.

The Behaviour Smart Post Incident Learning (PIL) app is included with all Behaviour Smart packages and is designed for students, young people and service users to use following an incident. The App supports the completion of the post incident learning section of Behaviour Smart and is designed through research to teach individuals how to control their own behaviour. The simplicity of PIL means it can be used independently or with support, and can be personalised to the individual’s communication needs. PIL uses tried and tested theoretical approaches, which focus on three simple steps to effective post-incident analysis these are experiences, feelings and behaviours. developing a proactive approach to behaviour management.

The implementation of the PIL APP in a mainstream secondary school resulted in a 64.5% reduction in behaviour incidents.

What are the benefits of Post Incident Learning?

Behavioural Improvement and Control.

The PIL process encourages individuals (students, young people, or service users) to reflect on their actions after an incident. This reflection helps them understand the triggers and consequences of their behaviour. It teaches individuals how to regulate and control their own behaviour using research-based methods, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.