physical intervention policy
2002
Advisory Dress Code
In order to ensure that staff and pupils are safe whenever a physical intervention takes place, the school has a dress code. Staff are recommended to wear clothes that are comfortable and allow flexibility and freedom of movement. Footwear should be similarly practical and appropriate. Staff are not encouraged to wear ties or scarves. Staff should also give careful thought when choosing any jewellery they might wear at school. Chains, bracelets and long earrings are not advisable.
MAKING A PHYSICAL INTERVENTION
Prior to any physical intervention, staff may reflect back to a pupil the possible consequences of their continued inappropriate behaviour.
Once a decision has been made to physically intervene staff will be expected to adhere to the following guidelines:
- All physical interventions should adhere to DFES and LEA guidlance.
- All physical interventions should wherever possible be lead by a trained member of staff.
- All physical interventions should ideally involve a minimum of two members
of staff. There will however be situations where it is safe and acceptable for
one member of staff to physically intervene, but staff should avoid such
situations if at all possible.
- If possible a member of staff should act as an observer.
- Wherever possible the audience should be removed.
- Staff should use the skills and techniques of physical intervention that they have been trained to use.
- Staff should use the minimum force necessary at all times and under no circumstances should pupils be deliberately caused pain.
- Staff should seek to ensure that they adhere to the advice contained in a pupil’s Individual Handling Policy.
- Staff involved in a physical intervention should ensure that they remain calm.
- During any physical intervention staff should try to ensure that the dignity of the pupil is protected. If necessary and safe, a pupil could be moved to a more private environment.
- All physical interventions should last for the shortest time possible, with control being returned to the pupil as soon as it is safe.
- In some situations a physical intervention may be a low key action such as lightly holding a wrist. (Friendly Hold).
- An early intervention, particularly with younger pupils, may well prevent a situation deteriorating.
In order to end a physical intervention as quickly and safely as possible a range of strategies might be used. Exactly which strategies are used will depend on knowledge of the pupil, the nature of the relationship(s), the cause of the intervention and possibly other events that have occurred during the day. These strategies may include:
- Silence.
- Distraction and diversion.
- Clear calm advice about what the pupil needs to do in order for the intervention to be ended.
- Getting the support of a colleague who has a particular relationship with a pupil, if it is considered that this might bring a physical intervention to a speedier conclusion.
- Support and reassurance.
- Humour.
- The gradual release of holds and return of control to the pupil.
- The provision of some degree of personal space within a room or area.
On Conclusion of a Physical Intervention
On conclusion of a physical intervention some key decisions will have to be made in terms of management of the pupil for the remainder of the day. Exactly what is decided will depend on the seriousness of the situation, the age and size of the pupil, staffing resources, and the time of day.
- Both pupils and staff involved should be offered the opportunity for first aid.
- If an incident was very violent or particularly serious, it may be that an internal exclusion will be the next course of action. Alternatively if a pupil has become very upset or agitated it may be appropriate for them to be sent home.
- A decision regarding where the pupil is to work will need to be made. If a pupil has had to be removed from class it may be necessary to clarify when a return to class is appropriate.
- It may well be necessary to liaise with colleagues to clarify the exact nature of events immediately preceding the physical intervention.
- It may well be necessary to consult with members of the SMT.
Following a Physical Intervention
- All staff involved should complete an independent written report on the Physical Intervention Report Form.
- Any injuries sustained by staff or pupils should be logged in the Physical Intervention Record file.
- All pupils should be given the opportunity to reflect on the incident. The best time for this may not be immediately after the incident. Pupils should also be invited to comment in the Pupil Comment Section of the Physical Intervention Report Form.
- The parents/carers of a pupil who has experienced a physical intervention should be informed by telephone as soon as possible.
- All physical interventions and their antecedents will be discussed in the School De-Brief at the end of the day. This discussion should be honest and open and should seek to advise future practice. It should consider possible triggers for individual pupils and possible de-escalation strategies.
RECORDING OF INCIDENTS
All incidents involving physical intervention will be recorded in the Incident Report Log and will be highlighted to distinguish them from other incidents. This will be the responsibility of the Deputy Headteacher
REVIEW OF POLICY
The policy will be reviewed by the staff team at the start of each academic year.
