Positive Handling by the Numbers #5: Five Values for Effective Interactions in the Classroom
Positive Handling Values Base One of the most frequent scenarios we come across in working with teaching staff is the issue of the seriously disruptive student who refuses to follow a reasonable request. Often this type of serious resistance to a request can escalate (in some settings more than others) into situations where physical intervention becomes necessary, […]
Positive Handling by the Numbers #4 – Be Cautious around 4-year Olds!
Positive Handling Early Years Concerns Positive Handling Early Years can pose specific risks that you should be aware of. In our last post, we discussed how a 4-year old put two teachers in hospital in a single incident and how it is possible they can have the capability and capacity to do so. Let’s not […]
Positive Handling by the Numbers #4: Forewarned about (some) Four-year-olds is Forearmed
Positive Handling Plans Positive Handling Plans should consider the wide range of risks involved in the types of situations where these interventions are potentially needed. Is it possible for a four year old child to lash out and send their teacher or teaching assistant to hospital? How about giving them a life-changing injury to their […]
Positive Handling by the Numbers #3: Section 3 Risk Assessments
Positive Handling Risk Assessments Positive Handling Risk Assessment is at the heart of an effective response to the issues of school-based aggression and violence. Once the potential risks have been recognised within an organisation, the next stage is to identify the specific risks associated with each role and then provide measures that will eliminate or minimise […]
Positive Handling by the Numbers #2: The Number is Always Two!
Positive Handling Teamwork How many people need to be in the room when a child in a school threatens injury to themselves or others, or is causing a serious disruption? This is a question I like to explore with my groups in our Positive Handling training courses. The answer is always that we need […]
Positive Handling by the Numbers #1 Working Solo
One Person Positive Handling One Person Positive Handling is inherently dangerous and can not be recommended. Often a teaching assistant in a school will be working on a one-to-one basis with a child who has particular needs associated with emotional or behavioural difficulties. Sometimes, such a child will present with potentially harmful behaviours such as […]
Positive Handling By The Numbers #0 Zero contact policies
Positive Handling Policy Can a school have a ‘no contact’ policy? The Department for Education guidance is clear that failing to act because of an erroneous physical intervention policy would be risky: Schools should not have a ‘no contact’ policy. There is a real risk that such a policy might place a member of staff […]
I feel very confident now I can protect myself and the children I am responsible for – Course Feedback
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I had previously attended the Team Teach course a number of years ago and found it really intense and did not feel confident in using it. I feel very confident now that as a last resort I can protect myself and the children I am responsible for. I found the […]