Positive Handling in Schools Training

Course content

1 The Course Structure

The course opens with an overview of the programme, outlining the learning outcomes and what you can expect to gain from each module.

2 A Serious Business

This module explores the reality and impact of challenging behaviour in schools. You’ll examine the potential consequences of incidents for pupils, staff and your professional career.

Real-life scenarios are used to show how quickly situations can escalate, alongside key facts and statistics relating to incidents in schools.

The Department for Education guidance on the Use of Reasonable Force is introduced, and you will be encouraged to consider the choices you may face in difficult situations.

3 The Aggression Curve

This module focuses on how aggressive behaviour develops and how it can be recognised and managed early.

The Kaplan Wheeler (1982) Model is explored in detail to help you understand:

• Triggers and stressors

• Escalation points

• The importance of effective de-escalation

A strong emphasis is placed on avoiding the crisis stage wherever possible and intervening early and appropriately.

4 The SCARF Model

This section introduces techniques to help bring aggressive behaviour under control using the SCARF Model:

• Status

• Certainty

• Autonomy

• Relatedness

• Fairness

You will explore how the brain responds to threat and reward, and how this links to the aggression curve.

Practical advice is provided on:

• Body language

• Tone of voice

• Choice of words

The chapter concludes with clear, bullet-pointed de-escalation scripts, with examples of what effective communication looks like at each stage.

5 Government Advice and Guidance

This chapter examines official government guidance that supports the management of aggressive and violent situations in schools.

The Department for Education’s Use of Reasonable Force guidance is reviewed in detail, with practical examples to help you understand when and why reasonable force may be required.

No Contact policies are also briefly explained.

6 Making decisions: Duty of Care

This module focuses on decision-making in the context of duty of care.

You will explore:

• Who duty of care applies to

• Acceptable behaviour in different situations

• When reasonable force is and is not appropriate

Key concepts such as proportionality, honestly held beliefs, and real-world scenarios are used to support understanding.

7 The Law

This chapter outlines the key legislation that applies when dealing with aggressive behaviour involving children.

You’ll learn about:

• The hierarchy of law

• Acts of Parliament that protect individuals

• The Health and Safety at Work Act, including employer and employee duties

8Physical Intervention and Restraint

In this section you’ll find out about best practice when physical intervention becomes necessary to prevent harm.

Learners will explore:

• The risks of intervening versus not intervening

• The importance of exhausting other options first

• The dangers of incorrect restraint

Topics include positional asphyxia, prolonged restraint, and restraint positions that must be avoided.

An overview of restraint techniques is provided, supported by diagrams showing which holds are acceptable and which are not. Practical training may also be required alongside this online course.

9 Screening, Searching and Confiscation

This module summarises the key points from the government’s ‘Screening, Searching and Confiscation Advice’.

You will learn about:

• What types of screening and searching are permitted

• Searching with and without consent

• What constitutes reasonable grounds for confiscation

• When and why a pupil may be searched