About this tool
BETLS is an acronym for behaviour, emotions, thoughts, learning and social relationships.
You can use this template to record observations and any concerns you have about a child or young person.
BETLS Observation Tool (308.3 KB, PDF)
Your observations should:
- focus only on what you see and hear, rather than what you think about a child or young person’s behaviours, emotions and thoughts
- take note of when and where the child or young person's behaviour changes and what the surrounding environment was like at the time
- notice changes to a child or young person's self-reported thoughts, emotions or experience and if or how these self-reports change in response to the environment around them
- record how long the behaviour or emotion occurs (for example, if you’re concerned about a child or young person’s outbursts, take note of how long they last)
- notice what happens before and after the behaviour
- consider using the BETLS Observation Tool with multiple relevant people in different situations during the day.
This template also provides a space to reflect on a child or young person’s behaviour and what might be influencing this behaviour. It allows you to note their self-reported thoughts about a situation and any other information that could be playing a role in their behaviour.
Mental Health Continuum
The question prompts in the BETLS Observation Tool may support you to consider where a child or young person may sit on the Mental Health Continuum.
Using these tools together can help you consider whether a child or young person requires additional support.
