The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) is currently developing multi-agency Behaviour and
Education Support Teams (BESTs). BESTs are being piloted with designated primary and secondary
schools in 33 of the 34 LEAs that are participating in the Behaviour Improvement Programme –
a programme that is being run as part of the Street Crime Initiative. The purpose of BESTs is to
promote emotional well-being, positive behaviour and school attendance among children and
young people, and help in the identification and support of those with, or at risk of developing,
emotional and behaviour problems.