How Much Does Private Positive Behaviour Support Cost in the UK?

If your child’s behaviour is affecting their schooling, safety, or family life, the cost of waiting for NHS support can far exceed the cost of acting now. This guide explains what you can expect to pay for private Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) in the UK, what the fees include, and how to make the investment go further.

Initial Consultation and Functional Behaviour Assessment

Most PBS work begins with an initial consultation, usually with parents or carers, to understand the concerns and agree the goals. This typically costs between £100 and £250. Following this, a full functional behaviour assessment (FBA) — including observations, interviews with school and home staff, and data collection — is the foundation of effective support. An FBA typically costs between £300 and £700 depending on the complexity of the case and the number of settings involved.

Support Plan Development

Once the FBA is complete, the specialist will develop a written Positive Behaviour Support plan. This document sets out the function of the behaviour, recommended environmental changes, skills to teach your child, and strategies for home and school. A written PBS plan typically costs between £200 and £500 on its own, though many practitioners bundle the assessment and plan into a single package priced between £500 and £1,000.

Review Sessions and Ongoing Consultancy

Individual review sessions — during which the specialist checks in on progress, troubleshoots difficulties, and updates the plan — typically cost between £80 and £200 each. School consultations or staff training sessions may be charged separately or included within a package. Most families need monthly or bi-monthly reviews during the active phase of support, tapering to quarterly check-ins as progress is established.

BCBA-Level Practitioners

Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) hold the internationally recognised gold-standard qualification in behaviour analysis. Due to their advanced training, BCBAs typically charge towards the upper end of the fee ranges above — and in some cases beyond them for highly complex cases. For children with severe or high-risk behaviour, a BCBA’s expertise is often well worth the additional cost.

Insurance and EHCP Funding

Private health insurance rarely covers PBS directly. However, if your child has an EHCP and behaviour support is listed as a provision that is not being delivered, you may be able to request that the local authority commissions and funds a private specialist. A report from a private PBS consultant can also be submitted as evidence in an EHCP application or SEND tribunal, potentially leading to funded support in the longer term.