Zelpher Ferguson has been in education for 39 years with learners from age 3 to adults. She has worked in state schools, in the independent sector, in further education and in business across a number of local authorities around the country.

During eight years as a Specialist Advisory Teacher for the Behaviour Support Service in two local authorities in the West Midlands she provided schools with support for all aspects of positive behavioural practice. In addition to whole school support, parental engagement and enhancing pupils’ behaviour for learning, she develops interventions for individual pupils demonstrating behavioural issues. She has a particular specialism in children’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. Her work has had a positive impact on addressing persistent disruptive behaviour in schools, whole-school approaches and individualised interventions for pupils; particularly children with ADHD and Autism and those at risk of exclusion.

Zelpher is the Founder and Director of Aluna Behaviour Consultancy, which launched in April 2022. The fundamental objective of which to affect behavioural change for happier and calmer lives. Her work is with children, families, adults and professionals giving practical support and insight, delivering specialist training, workshops and coaching opportunities. As a Behaviour Strategist she has a range of skills, comprehensive knowledge and expertise to provide specialist support in promoting positive and inclusive behaviour. Effective intervention at the earliest stage possible is key to breaking the cycle of behaviour dysregulation. Her unpaid work includes being a volunteer Community Ambassador for The Children’s Society and a place on the West Midlands Police Stop & Search Scrutiny Panel.

She is committed to relational and restorative practice and exploring behavioural issues through a trauma-informed lens. She endeavours to help and support anyone who wants to affect positive and permanent behavioural change; including marginalised young people, their families and communities. This is established through working with pupils in class and continuing this work at home with their families. An appreciation of the 360° perspective of young people leads to developing individualised strategies that provide for their as yet unmet needs. Fostering wholly inclusive and anti-racist practice in all sectors of the education system is very much at the heart of Aluna Behaviour Consultancy