POSITIVE HANDLING POLICY
At Crowhurst Preschool it may sometimes be necessary to use a physical intervention with a child for their own or others’ safety, e.g. to move or lift a child if there is a perceived or imminent risk. This can include:
- To prevent behaviours that may cause injury to themselves or others or damage to property
- To ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for children with SEN at all times, e.g. to enable a child to access resources, equipment and activities if on an occasion they are unable to do this themselves.
If a child is identified as regularly presenting with unsafe behaviours to themselves or others then a risk assessment will be written and implemented, agreed by staff and parents.
This will include:
1. Identification of potential hazards
2. Who may be harmed and what that harm may be
3. Risks and precautions
4. The use of positive pro-active and de-escalation strategies
5. The use of agreed physical interventions.
Records will be kept of any use of positive handling/interventions and will be reported to the Manager. Records will include:
A) Name of child
B) Where and when the incident occurred
C) Details of the incident
D) What steps were taken to diffuse or resolve the situation without use of force or positive handling
E) Outcome of the intervention
F) Child’s reaction
G) Details of any injuries
H) Details of damage to property
I) Any medical treatment required
J) Signed and dated
We have a legal duty to ensure every child is included and supported appropriately. If a child is identified as having needs that require them to be supported physically by staff at times due to their SEN, then a Moving and Handling Plan will be will be agreed and written with staff and parents and implemented where appropriate. This will include:
A) Details of child’s needs, e.g. a wheelchair user, unable to bear weight
B) Details of when Manual Handling is required, e.g. for personal care
C) Details of how to support the child safely and with the minimum support needed
All staff are aware that use of any physical intervention or moving and handling must be reasonable, proportionate, and necessary, in the best interest of the child.
Physical intervention should always be a last resort and be avoided whenever possible. The use of restrictive physical interventions must always be considered within the wider context of other measures. These include establishing and maintaining good relationships with children and using diversion, de-escalation and negotiation to respond to difficult situations. The use of physical force that is unwarranted, excessive or punitive is not acceptable.
This policy is written with reference to the Safeguarding Children, Health and Safety, and Complaints policies.
Chair of Committee
Date: June 2024
- To prevent behaviours that may cause injury to themselves or others or damage to property
- To ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for children with SEN at all times, e.g. to enable a child to access resources, equipment and activities if on an occasion they are unable to do this themselves.
If a child is identified as regularly presenting with unsafe behaviours to themselves or others then a risk assessment will be written and implemented, agreed by staff and parents.
This will include:
1. Identification of potential hazards
2. Who may be harmed and what that harm may be
3. Risks and precautions
4. The use of positive pro-active and de-escalation strategies
5. The use of agreed physical interventions.
Records will be kept of any use of positive handling/interventions and will be reported to the Manager. Records will include:
A) Name of child
B) Where and when the incident occurred
C) Details of the incident
D) What steps were taken to diffuse or resolve the situation without use of force or positive handling
E) Outcome of the intervention
F) Child’s reaction
G) Details of any injuries
H) Details of damage to property
I) Any medical treatment required
J) Signed and dated
We have a legal duty to ensure every child is included and supported appropriately. If a child is identified as having needs that require them to be supported physically by staff at times due to their SEN, then a Moving and Handling Plan will be will be agreed and written with staff and parents and implemented where appropriate. This will include:
A) Details of child’s needs, e.g. a wheelchair user, unable to bear weight
B) Details of when Manual Handling is required, e.g. for personal care
C) Details of how to support the child safely and with the minimum support needed
All staff are aware that use of any physical intervention or moving and handling must be reasonable, proportionate, and necessary, in the best interest of the child.
Physical intervention should always be a last resort and be avoided whenever possible. The use of restrictive physical interventions must always be considered within the wider context of other measures. These include establishing and maintaining good relationships with children and using diversion, de-escalation and negotiation to respond to difficult situations. The use of physical force that is unwarranted, excessive or punitive is not acceptable.
This policy is written with reference to the Safeguarding Children, Health and Safety, and Complaints policies.
Chair of Committee
Date: June 2024