Success Stories: Cairns State Special School

How Team Teach training contributed to a reduction in occupational violence and aggression, and helped enhance the learning environment.

• • Name: Liz Grieves

• • Role: Head of Dept, Student Engagement

• • School: Cairns State Special School

• • Location: Queensland, Australia

About Cairns State Special School

Cairns State Special School is a co-educational state school supporting 129 students with disabilities, through from Prep to Year 12.

The student body comprises a mixed demographic, with 42% from an Indigenous background and 16% in Out of Home Care (OOHC). The school promotes a multidisciplinary approach, to maximise educational outcomes for all students.

Benefits of choosing Team Teach

Leaders at Cairns State Special School were looking for a framework that would meet the complex needs of their students, as well as improve staff confidence and student wellbeing.

As Liz explains, “Team Teach’s emphasis on de-escalation, positive communication, and trauma-informed practices has equipped our staff with the tools they need to respond more consistently and safely, even in high-stress situations.

“The training is practical and values-driven, ensuring that dignity and safety remain at the heart of every interaction.”

Results

Team Teach training has reduced incidents of occupational violence and aggression by 72% as well as positively impacting on staff confidence and student wellbeing.

Between January and March 2024, there were 104 recorded incidents of occupational violence and aggression. During the same period in 2025, there were just 29.

These figures demonstrate the transformative impact that Team Teach training has had when embedded as part of a multi-disciplinary approach within the school community, to support student engagement and wellbeing.

Impact

Liz explains, “The dramatic reduction in incidents of occupational violence and aggression reflects the power of proactive, relationship-based behaviour support.

“Not only has Team Teach training improved safety outcomes and increased staff confidence, it has also contributed to a more positive, predictable learning environment for all students and staff.”

Next steps

Staff and leaders are now focused on embedding positive behaviour support, strengthening collaboration across staff and families, and building a proactive, positive culture.

Through regular refreshers and coaching with four in-house Team Teach trainers, data-informed reflection, a strong debrief culture, and the implementation of emotional regulation programmes and calm spaces, Team Teach is key to enabling every student to thrive.