“Completely appropriate…safe techniques and tactics” for Positive Handling
A class teacher in Felixstowe describes the course as informative, with content suited to scenarios that could arise in school, and values practising safe techniques and learning what signals to watch for.
Classroom Conflict 7: Influencing the Resistant Child in your Classroom
When a pupil refuses a reasonable request, the advice is not to dig in or issue threats. The post explains moving with resistance to gain voluntary cooperation, rather than turning to physical intervention.
Can Online Training help you to allocate the right resources to Positive Handling?
Learner comments on the online element, which delivers theory before the practical day. Responses say it saved time, allowed reflection, and left more room for hands-on practice not reliant on strength.
Classroom Conflict 6: Staying on Track with the Distressed Child
Part six of the classroom conflict series looks at staying on track when a child says hurtful things. Redirections and deflectors keep responses considered, so physical intervention stays reserved for legally defensible reasons.
Positive Handling Feedback: “enabled all of us to learn and to do the techniques if necessary
Zeb was well qualified and thorough, a teacher from St Johns Primary said, clear about staff responsibilities, and his demonstrations enabled everyone to learn the techniques and deliver them if necessary.
How many school staff to train in positive handling?
Whole school training is not always the right answer. Schools should identify the staff who are most likely to need to restrain a child, such as the SENCo, behaviour leads, teachers and teaching assistants.
Classroom Conflict 5: Truly Listening to the Distressed Child
Listening to a distressed child is not just hearing words. The post describes taking information in, understanding the child’s point of view, checking that understanding and then acting on a shared view.
Positive Handling Feedback: “holds that were viable in our setting and easy to use”
A pastoral lead at Holy Cross Primary School said this was the best positive handling course so far, because the holds were viable in their setting, easy to use, and effective when used.
The Six Positive Handling Scenarios in Schools
Six situations that can call for force or positive handling in schools are introduced by Gerard O’Dea, who discusses the common scenarios staff may meet.
Classroom Conflict 4: Initiating successful contact with the child
Proximity helps teachers hold attention, but approaching a child who is losing focus needs care, so the post explains the Universal Greeting and shows it in a video.