Circumstances when positive handling may need to be employed include:
- When the loss of self-control by a pupil poses a threat of harm to themselves.
- When the behaviour of an individual poses a threat of harm towards another person.
- When pupils are about to commit / or are committing a criminal act.
- When pupils are damaging property.
- When a pupil’s behaviour is threatening the good order of the school and preventing others from learning or staff from fulfilling their duties safely.
These situations are rare and positive handling is used as a last resort. The Team Teach Approach Team Teach training equips our staff with a full range of behaviour management tools, so that teachers and support workers can respond intelligently and confidently to any situation that may arise. The training provides staff with the tools that will allow them to not only manage behaviour but also maintain positive relationships while dealing with challenging situations. We value the dignity of the children in our Academy and the pupils are the real beneficiaries of our Team Teach training. The Team Teach approach focuses on fostering a positive environment where physical handling is used only as a last resort. The training emphasises communication and de-escalation, as well as a full understanding of the causes of challenging behaviour, reducing the need for invasive interventions.
The basic philosophy of the Team Teach approach is detailed below:
- 95% or more of all incidents should be managed without recourse to physical intervention.
- It is a flexible framework of responses stressing a holistic approach.
- De-escalation of situations is a priority, e.g. using communication skills, humour, distraction, etc.
- Physical techniques are based on providing the maximum amount of care, control and therapeutic support.
- If physical intervention is required it will use least intrusive moving to more restrictive interventions only as necessary.
- Any physical intervention / positive handling will be used for the shortest possible time
- All incidents of restraint are recorded by staff and then monitored and evaluated by the Deputy Headteacher.
