August 2019 Physical Handling Procedure Policy Purpose All staff within our setting aim to help children take responsibility for their own behaviour. This can be done in a number of ways, which include: Positive role modelling. Planning a range of interesting an d challenging activities. Setting and enforcing appropriate boundaries and expectations. Providing positive feedback. That said, there are rare occasions when a child’s behaviour presents particular challenges that may require physical handling. DEFINITI ONS Positive Handling The positive use of touch is a normal part of human interaction. Touch might be appropriate in a range of situations. Giving guidance to children (such as how to hold a paintbrush or when climbing). Providing emotional support (such as placing an arm around a distressed child). Physical care (such as first aid or toileting). All staff will exercise appropriate care when using touch (please see our Child Protection Policy). Physical Intervention This can include mechanical environme ntal means such as locked doors, steps for toileting or moveable screens to divide the room. These are usually appropriate ways of ensuring a child’s safety. August 2019 Restrictive Physical Intervention This is when a member of staff uses physical force intentional ly to restrict a child’s movement against his or her will. In most cases this will be using the adult’s body rather than mechanical or environmental methods. When can restrictive physical intervention be used? Restrictive physical intervention can be ju stified, when: Someone is injuring themselves. Someone is damaging property. There is suspicion that someone’s actions may cause injury to themselves or others. If a child is trying to leave the setting and it is judged that the child would be a risk. Th e aim in using restrictive physical intervention is to restore safety, both for the child and those around him or her. Who can use restrictive physical intervention? A member of staff who knows the child well, this person is most likely to be able to use other methods to support the child and keep them safe without using restrictive physical intervention. In an emergency all staff can use it. What type of restrictive physical intervention can and cannot be used? Any use of res trictive physical interven tion in the school setting is consistent with the principle of reasonable minimal force. School staff will: Aim for side - by - side contact with the child. Aim for no gap between the adults and child’s body. Aim to keep the adults back as straight as possib le. Hold children by “long” bones, i.e. avoid grasping at joints where pain and damage are most likely. Ensure that there is no restriction to the child’s ability to breathe. Avoid lifting the child. It may be necessary for staff to receive specific train ing in the use of restrictive physical intervention.