Good classroom management is the foundation of all good teaching.

The foundations need to be solid because everything you do in the classroom is really built on it.

From this solid base, virtually anything can be achieved in the classroom because you have already created an essential part of an outstanding learning environment. Get it wrong, however, and excellent learning cannot occur.

It is as simple as that. Because of the importance of classroom management, it features heavily in teacher training.

A considerable amount of CPD opportunities focus on classroom management techniques and methods.

Of course, it is always an area of focus of any lesson observation. The secret formula for classroom management Sadly, there isn't a secret formula or silver bullet which 'cracks' classroom management for everyone.

Teaching would be easy if there was, wouldn't it?  Having said that, although you will never be short of advice or new ideas for strategies to try in the classroom, you can narrow it down to a few essentials.

Routines are important.

Setting boundaries is vital too.

Overall, teachers need to be persistent and - most importantly - consistent in everything you do regarding your classroom management.

But, if there is a secret to your classroom management, them this could be it... confidence. Confidence in the classroom It is absolutely vital that teachers have confidence in the classroom.

Pupils sniff out weakness or lack of confidence.

This is why teaching can be a really rocky road for the inexperienced.

Of course, for the trainee teacher appearing confident even when you are not at all is really important – but confidence is something that grows over time and this is so important for any teacher. Confidence is vital because without it teachers often let important aspects of classroom management slip.

The main reason why teachers let routines go by the wayside or why they fail to be consistent in applying behaviour rules is because of a lack of confidence. Similarly, a lack of confidence often means that teachers lack the persistence that is needed to be an excellent classroom manager.

After all, sometimes it is a lot easier to ‘give way’ in the classroom or to lower your standards and expectations.

Teachers sometimes do this to avoid conflict in the classroom but lacking the confidence to address management issues in the classroom is usually just storing problems up for the future. Confidence is crucial Ultimately, confidence is about much more than controlling the classroom.

Classroom management is something that evolves over time.

Yes, you need routines and clear expectations that you always demand; but you also grow in confidence as a classroom manager by being experimental – even daring – in the classroom. To be an outstanding classroom practitioner, you need to be able to expertly handle all sorts of learning activities, such as group work, adeptly.

Planning for compliance is important as you grow in confidence, but in time you will need to try and take things to the next level.