Positive Handling

Worcestershire County Council have adopted an approach called Team Teach.

The Vulnerable Children’s Service, through the “Team-Teach” Positive Handling Strategies approach provides courses that are specifically designed for a wide range of service settings. Team-Teach encourages adults with a duty of care to appreciate the influence they can have on the feelings, thinking and behaviour of those they care for.

Our aim is to raise social, emotional and academic well being of children in Worcestershire by developing positive handling skills in behaviour management including: verbal and non-verbal communications, diversion and de-escalations and safe, effective, humane physical interventions.

Team Teach is concerned with feelings and thoughts as much as with behaviour. We are justifiably alarmed at reports of abuse where people have, at times, resorted to violence or used pain compliant techniques to exert control. Sometimes it is failures of policy, guidance and training, which allow these things to happen. Without support, monitoring and review systems in place, vulnerable people can be placed at the risk of harm.

Teachers and other staff need to know what they are expected to do when they are faced with a pupil in crisis. They need to know which de-escalation skills to use and what to do when these fail to bring the situation under control. They need effective techniques and strategies, which are detailed in policy and supported by management. Safe work settings require staff that are competent and confident to intervene safely when an individual endangers themselves, other people or property. Staff and employers have a duty to cooperate to create a safe environment for all concerned.

Team Teach is training in Positive Handling strategies through a whole setting holistic approach to managing difficult, disturbing and sometimes dangerous behaviour. Team Teach is the largest provider of training for mainstream, special, child and increasing adult services in the UK and is accredited by the British Institute of Learning Difficulties and to the National Control and Restraint (General Services) Association.

• Team Teach Programme 6 hour training  (16.43 KB)
• WCC Model Policy  (57.00 KB)

If you would like any more support or information regarding this matter please contact:

Dee Milbery Positive Handling Adviser/Advanced Tutor
dmillberry@worcestershire.gov.uk
Office - 01905 728918
Mobile - 07876193853
Link – www.team-teach.co.uk