RESTRAINT PROCEDURE AVOIDING PHYSICAL INTERVENTION
1. The Policy
It is the policy of Inaura that physical intervention or restraint should be used as a last resort in
extreme circumstances and when all other methods have been deployed to reduce
confrontational behaviour.
When significant physical restraint is used it must always be logged.
2. Interpretation
Restraint occurs when a member of staff or foster carer uses physical force intentionally to limit
young person’s movement against his or her will. It can range from light physical touch to
secure physical holding.
3. Avoiding Physical Intervention
It is assumed that prior to a physical intervention, other strategies would, if appropriate be
tried.
For example:
 Relational Skills
 Talking the individual down.
 De-escalation – to calm the individual.
 Divert attention by understanding the problem.
 Encourage them to relax
 Reduce background stimulation
 At a low level – assert adult control by guiding a young person out of a situation or
away from a situation which in your judgement is going to escalate into something
major if not dealt with now.
Please see the attached Guidelines
4. Inaura’s Restraint Policy Responsibilities
It is Inaura’s responsibility to:
 provide written guidelines to promote policy and practice that is recognised as high
quality;
 ensure that appropriate training is undertaken by staff and foster carers
 ensure that counselling and support is available to pupils and staff who might be
distressed as a result of being involved in incidents of high levels of restraint;
 support a member of staff in any proceedings either civil or criminal, where a member
of staff has acted in a professional, considered and informed manner, and/or, where the
actions are considered to be a reasonable response to a situation;
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Inaura Services, Manor Farm Cottage, Lower Godney, Somerset, BA5 1RZ.
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
monitor incidents of restraint and the implementation of child protection procedures.

develop policies and strategies for physical intervention and restraint in the context of
Inaura’s policy on managing behaviour and ensure all staff and carers are familiar with
the policy and guidelines;
produce a plan of restraint for an individual pupil or foster child as part of an overall
plan;
designate those carers and members of staff who are specifically authorised to restrain
under special circumstances, for example when it is known that a set pattern of
behaviour, if unchecked, will lead to more dangerous circumstances and a plan of
restraint has been agreed;
ensure that all practices, policies and procedures relating to physical intervention and
restraint are reviewed at least annually;
ensure that where significant force is used to support a pupil the parent/guardian will be
fully informed and given an opportunity to discuss the situation with Inaura;
ensure that any member of staff who is the subject of an allegation that they have
abused a child, will be offered confidential, professional counselling.
maintain a secure log of any restraints which occur.
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Inaura Services, Manor Farm Cottage, Lower Godney, Somerset, BA5 1RZ.
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INAURA RESTRAINT POLICY –
GUIDELINES FOR STAFF AND FOSTER CARERS ON
NON PHYSICAL INTERVENTION
Recognising Causes of Aggressive and Violent Behaviour
Staff, peers or the aggressor may constitute the target for aggression. Removal of potential
targets from the vicinity of the aggressor is an obvious priority. In particular, removing the
‘audience’ rather than the aggressor may help to de-escalate situations and avoid the ‘loss of
face’ which usually follows the issuing of an ultimatum.
The Warm Technique
W – What is going on? Stand back for a few minutes to assess the situation. Is there anything
or anyone exacerbating the problem? If so, can it/they be removed from the immediate
vicinity?
A – Acknowledge what is happening.
Having determined the immediate problem, acknowledge the person’s anger and empathise
with their situation
R – Respond to the violent behaviour. IF possible removed the object of the person’s anger or
divert the person’s attention from that object.
M – Master the situation – take control of the situation. But not of the person unless absolutely
necessary; use a proven technique to diffuse the person’s anger.
Non Physical Techniques
There are a number of interventions that do not require physical restraint.
A.
Prompting
Signalling the young person to either begin a desired behaviour or stop and inappropriate
action can be done verbally; for example, “its about time to put the game away
Or non-verbally; for example, with a glance or nod to remind the young person what is
expected. It is a simple, non-critical direction given when the young person needs help in
taking the next step.
B.
Affection.
Like praise, affection helps increase a child’s self-esteem. When the behaviours is coming from
insecurity, fear or anger at life circumstances, an additional shot of affection and caring may be
what the child needs in order to cope with the problem at hand instead of going to pieces.
They can also be reminded of past strengths.
C.
Directive Statement
As a young person’s behaviour escalates and their ability to make rational decisions decreases,
it is necessary to provide them with direct guidance. Directive statements tell a young person
in specific terms what is expected. These statements range from making request to stating
rules to issuing commands.
D.
Redirecting.
Redirecting the young person or group or changing the activity a little may be enough to enable
the young person to calm down and return to baseline behaviour.
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E.
Non-verbal Interventions
These interventions incorporate a range of techniques including ‘proximity’ and ‘touch control’.
Often the mere fact of having an adult close by will be calming for a young person. Touch is a
powerful intervention. A hand on a shoulder or arm may provide the assistance a young
person needs to calm down.
F.
Other Techniques
Give the impression of being calm, self-controlled and confident without being dismissive or
overbearing.
Keep talking in a normal tone of voice – consider mood matching.
Try diversionary tactics.
G.
Avoiding Physical Conflict from an Aggressor
If the attack is intended to gain dominance feign submission and redirect attention by talking.
Gradually move towards an escape route and avoid being trapped in a corner.
Maintain adequate distance from an assailant who is using an object as a weapon, for instance
out of striking distance.
Take the initiative with an armed assailant and explicitly ask that the weapon be put down.
Remove objects which have the potential to be used as weapons,
Remove the audience
Be aware of the importance of non-verbal communication; monitor those, which have tension
reduction and develop them. For example, if you move away or look away does the assailant
look more or less likely to attack.
H.
Advance Planning
Plan how you would approach and deal with a young person known to be violent. Get to know
the signs in each individual. Everyone is different and present different signs before incidents
occur.
Take pre-emptive warnings seriously.
Praise positive behaviour immediately.
I.
Potentially Hazardous Triggers
Verbal prompting - which can be perceived as nagging.
Saying ‘no’ can cause frustration.
Saying ‘stop’ can be perceived as thwarting.
Ignoring can be perceived as insulting
Making demands can be seen as pressurising.
Do –
 Be diplomatic
 Be patient
 Be tolerant, but do not talk down.
 Do not shout.
 Lower your voice
 Hear the person out
 Be aware of your body Language.
These can reduce the atmosphere. If you are giving off the wrong signals you could make a
person react in a violent and aggressive way.
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Inaura Services, Manor Farm Cottage, Lower Godney, Somerset, BA5 1RZ.
01458 830 434 reg charity 1092152
Appendix A – Positive handling form
Positive handling plan for assessing and managing foreseeable risks for
children who are likely to need Restrictive Physical Intervention
(based on Somerset County Council Model/DCSF)
Settings:
Name of Child:
Group:
Staff member(s):
Name of
parents/Carers
Names of agencies
and services
involved:
Identification of Risk
Describe the foreseeable
risk
(ie what specific
behaviours have
occurred)
Is the risk potential or
actual?
(ie has this happened
before)
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List who is affected by
the risk
In which situations does
the risk occur?
How likely it is that the
risk will arise? (ie how
often has it happened
before)
If the risk arises, who is
likely to be injured or
hurt?
What kinds of injuries or
harm are likely to occur?
How serious are the
adverse outcomes?
Completed by
Date
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Agreed Positive Handling Plan and Setting Risk
Management Strategy
Focus of Measures
Measures to be
employed
Level of risk
Proactive
interventions to
prevent risks
Early interventions
to manage risks
Reactive
interventions to
respond to
adverse outcomes
Post Adverse
Outcome
Success Criteria
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Inaura Services, Manor Farm Cottage, Lower Godney, Somerset, BA5 1RZ.
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Communication of Positive Handling Plan and Setting
Risk Management Strategy
Plans and strategies shared
with:
Communication Method
Date Actioned
This plan has been agreed by
Agreed by:
Date:
NAme
Role
Signautre
Child - if appropriate
Head teacher
arent
Staff Member
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Inaura Services, Manor Farm Cottage, Lower Godney, Somerset, BA5 1RZ.
01458 830 434 reg charity 1092152