All staff at our school are fully trained in the Team Teach approach to managing challenging behaviour. This training equips staff with a comprehensive range of de-escalation strategies designed to diffuse difficult situations and ensure the safety of both learners and staff.

While we prioritise de-escalation, in rare cases, a learner’s behaviour may pose a risk to the health and safety of themselves or others. In these instances, positive handling may be used as a last resort, and parents or carers will be promptly notified. Our staff adhere to strict guidelines when recording and reporting any positive handling interventions.

As a general rule, positive handling is always our final option. Before resorting to this, we implement a variety of de-escalation techniques, including:

• Giving clear, positive directions

• Using praise to reinforce good choices

• Encouraging compliance with a confident, positive approach

• Offering choices to empower learners

• Redirecting or "swerving" arguments

• Demonstrating care and understanding

• Being aware of personal responses to potential threats

• Providing pastoral support

• Introducing a change of staff or approach (Change of face)

These strategies are part of our commitment to creating a supportive, safe, and positive environment for all learners.