Positive Intervention Training for Schools

Educators are facing more complex behavioural challenges than ever before, requiring a blend of compassion, confidence, and competence. TeachPlus’s Positive Intervention training is a game-changer for school staff, providing practical, evidence-based strategies to manage challenging situations safely, legally, and effectively. Our approach prioritises the wellbeing of both pupils and staff, fostering a positive and resilient school culture.

What is Positive Intervention?

Positive Intervention is a proactive and holistic approach to behaviour management that emphasises prevention, de-escalation, and restorative practice. While the Department for Education guidance defines the use of ‘reasonable force’ to prevent harm, disorder, or damage [1], our philosophy extends far beyond this.

At TeachPlus, we believe that physical intervention must always be the last resort, not the first response. Our training is built on the principle that all behaviour is a form of communication. By understanding the underlying causes, including Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, trauma, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), we can respond in a way that is both proportionate and supportive.

Understanding the Legal Framework

Uncertainty about the legal aspects of using force can cause hesitation, potentially compromising safety. TeachPlus’s training provides absolute clarity on the legal framework surrounding Positive Intervention, empowering your staff to act decisively and confidently within clear boundaries.

Our course provides comprehensive coverage of all statutory and non-statutory guidance, including:

Legislation/Guidance Key Provision
Education and Inspections Act 2006 Section 93 provides the statutory power for school staff to use reasonable force. [2]
The Children Act 1989 Establishes the concept of 'reasonable force' in relation to children.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Outlines the duties that employers and employees have to ensure a safe environment. [3]
Equality Act 2010 Details key considerations for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
DfE ‘Use of Reasonable Force’ Guidance Provides practical advice for headteachers, staff, and governing bodies. [1]
“As one headteacher noted after our training: ‘The legal clarity provided has transformed how our staff approach challenging situations: they now act with confidence rather than fear’.”

A Comprehensive, Proactive Approach

TeachPlus’s Positive Intervention training stands apart by focusing on a complete behaviour support system, not just physical techniques. Our accredited courses are delivered by qualified professionals with over 15 years of educational experience and are aligned with the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) Training Standards [4].

1. Prevention and De-escalation

Research shows that the vast majority of incidents can be prevented or de-escalated before physical intervention becomes necessary [5]. Our training equips staff with proactive strategies, including the Aggression Curve model for early identification, emotional intelligence and communication workshops, and trauma-informed approaches that address root causes.

2. Risk Assessment and Strategic Planning

Effective Positive Intervention is built on thorough preparation. We guide your school in developing robust individual behaviour risk assessments, whole-school policies that set clear expectations, and consistent team-based planning for responding to challenging situations.

3. Safe and Dignified Physical Intervention

When all preventative measures have been exhausted, staff must know how to intervene safely and with dignity. Our training covers a range of gradual and graded physical techniques that are specifically designed for educational settings, are appropriate for different age groups, and minimise risk for everyone involved.

4. Post-Incident Support and Learning

Every incident is an opportunity for reflection and growth. We provide clear protocols for post-incident debriefing for both staff and pupils, restorative practices to rebuild relationships, and analysis to prevent future occurrences, ensuring support for the emotional wellbeing of all.

The TeachPlus Advantage

What makes TeachPlus the right choice for your school is our commitment to bespoke, practical training that addresses your specific context and challenges.

  • Tailored to Your School: We customise every course to address your pupil demographics, staff experience, physical environment, and existing school policies.

  • Delivered by Experienced Educators: Our trainers bring years of real-world educational experience, ensuring all content is practical, empathetic, and grounded in the realities of school life.

  • Evidence-Based and Accredited: Our training is fully accredited, aligned with RRN standards, and based on the latest research and best practices in behaviour management.

  • Flexible and Accessible: We offer a range of delivery options to suit your school’s schedule, including full-day sessions, half-day workshops, twilight courses, and ongoing consultation.

Proven Outcomes

Schools that implement TeachPlus’s Positive Intervention training report significant and measurable improvements, including a substantial reduction in serious incidents, decreased staff injuries, and increased staff confidence in managing behaviour. This leads to improved Ofsted ratings for behaviour and a more positive school culture for all.

‘The emphasis on de-escalation techniques and understanding the neurophysiology behind behaviour has transformed our approach. Our staff now have the confidence and skills to prevent situations from escalating, and when intervention is necessary, they can do so safely and effectively’. — Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)

Contact TeachPlus today to discuss how our Positive Intervention training can help you create a safer, more positive learning environment where everyone can thrive.

FAQ - Positive Intervention Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Positive Intervention Training

The terms are often used interchangeably, but we use "Positive Intervention" to better reflect our philosophy. While "Positive Handling" is the term used in some official guidance, it can be misconstrued as focusing only on physical contact. Our "Positive Intervention" approach is a holistic system that prioritises proactive strategies like prevention and de-escalation, with safe physical intervention used only as a last resort.
No, far from it. The majority of our course focuses on preventing the need for physical intervention in the first place. Your staff will learn about the legal framework, dynamic risk assessment, understanding the root causes of behaviour, and mastering verbal and non-verbal de-escalation strategies. The physical techniques taught are for emergency situations only and are a smaller, albeit essential, part of a much broader skill set.
We recommend a whole-school approach for maximum consistency and effectiveness. The training is essential for all staff who have regular contact with pupils, including teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs, pastoral staff, behaviour support teams, and lunchtime supervisors. We also strongly advise that members of the Senior Leadership Team attend to ensure they fully understand the legal and practical implications.
Yes. Our Positive Intervention training is fully accredited and aligns with the latest Department for Education (DfE) guidance on the 'Use of Reasonable Force'. The physical techniques taught are compliant with the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) Training Standards, ensuring they are safe, effective, and prioritise the dignity of the child.
They are perfectly complementary. Trauma-Informed Practice provides the foundational "why" behind a student's behaviour, fostering empathy and a supportive school culture. Positive Intervention provides the practical "how" for managing the challenging behaviours that may still occur. A trauma-informed school using our Positive Intervention training is creating a robust, multi-layered system of support that is both compassionate and safe.
Schools that complete our training consistently report a significant reduction in the number and severity of behavioural incidents. Other key outcomes include increased staff confidence in managing challenging situations, a decrease in staff injuries, improved staff-student relationships, and a calmer, more positive school environment overall.
Our courses are delivered by highly experienced education professionals, including Behaviour Specialists and former school leaders, who have years of real-world experience in managing challenging behaviour in schools. They bring a level of practical insight and credibility that makes the training engaging, relevant, and effective.

References

[1] Department for Education. (2013). Use of reasonable force: Advice for headteachers, staff and governing bodies.

[2] Education and Inspections Act 2006, Section 93.

[3] Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

[4] Restraint Reduction Network. (2019). Restraint Reduction Network Training Standards.

[5] Slaatto, A., Bjørngaard, J. H., Kulseth, M. A., Lohre, A., Bjørge, H., & Aasly, J. (2021). Conflict prevention, de-escalation and restraint in children/youth inpatient and residential facilities: A systematic mapping review. Children and Youth Services Review, 127, 106073.