Positive Handling By The Numbers #0 Zero contact policies
No. Schools should not adopt a no contact policy, says Department for Education guidance, which warns of breaching staff duty of care. Section 93 grants staff the right to use reasonable force.
Issues for schools to address in relation to Positive Handling
Schools need answers on who besides teachers may use restrictive physical intervention, how staff are authorised, which actions count as excessive or punitive, how behaviour plans are agreed, and who supports people afterwards.
I feel very confident now I can protect myself and the children I am responsible for – Course Feedback
Feedback from a development officer at a regional autism support organisation, who found earlier Team Teach training intense but now feels confident to protect herself and the children in her care.
This was the first time that a positive handling course at this school has been so beneficial
Feedback from a special primary school in London, where previous instructors from other BILD accredited providers could not answer the head teacher’s operational questions. The post argues trainers need practical experience, not manual content.
One of the most informative and engaging training sessions I’ve attended in my career
Reflection logs and news scenarios that put school incidents in perspective were valued by a Bedfordshire teacher, who wished for more time to practise techniques.
Feedback on Positive Handling courses April 2015
Feedback from four staff in April 2015, including a SENCO and a nurture group manager, covering the mix of theory and practice, real-life scenarios, risk assessment and a wish for more time.
Feedback on Positive Handling courses from March 2015
Course feedback from March 2015, gathered from a SENCo, teacher, head of school and senior house parent. They valued the law, real case scenarios and the balance of theory and practice.
Feedback on Positive Handling Courses from February 2015
Comments from school staff who attended courses in early 2015, praising the legal content, the five step approach and the chance to practise holds safely under supervision.
Feedback on Positive Handling Course for Boarding from January 2015
Comments from boarding staff who attended a January 2015 course. They describe gaining skills to deal with pupils while keeping themselves and bystanders safe, and learning techniques to restrain students alongside a colleague.
Feedback from October Course
Feedback from a Bedfordshire course delivered during October, where Gerard O’Dea trained schools across greater London. Staff described clear delivery, a knowledgeable instructor and greater confidence handling situations that may arise.