Blended Positive Handling
90mins online learning plus a focused 3-hour practical positive handling workshop to ensure your team have confident, safe responses.
Fast
Flexible
Safe
Compliant
Meets DfE and Ofsted
requirements..
Positive Handling Skills Matter
Risk 1
Uncertain Staff
Without positive handling training, staff face stress and uncertainty, lacking the confidence to act decisively in difficult situations.
Risk 2
School Standing
Schools risk reputational damage, complaints, and inspection failures if they cannot demonstrate safe, compliant Positive Handling practice.
Risk 3
Pupil Safety
Children—especially vulnerable pupils—may suffer avoidable harm or trauma when staff lack confidence in safe handling strategies.
3-hour Positive Handling intensive
Short, practical and accessible — the ideal balance of 90 mins online learning and a 3-hour in-person skills session for your busy school.
Blended
Learn theory online, develop skills in person.
Practical
Realistic scenarios that reflect school challenges.
Legal
Clear explanation of rights, limits, and duties.
Effective
A concise, cost-efficient way to train teams.
Course Outline & Goals
Develop the awareness, judgement, and practical skills needed to prevent, manage, and stay safe in situations where a child’s distress is escalating
Half-Day Positive Handling: Supporting Children in Distress with Regulation-First Approaches
Course Aim
To equip school staff with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed to effectively manage challenging behaviors in educational settings, using regulation-first approaches that prioritize dignity and respect while ensuring safety for all.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this blended learning course, participants will:
Know:
- The context and legal basis of Positive Handling in schools, including Human Rights Act considerations
- The Seven Phases of Crisis (Kaplan Wheeler) and the SCARF Model for understanding dysregulated behavior
- Brain-based approaches to understanding trauma, ACEs, and challenging behaviors in children
- Legal frameworks including duty of care, necessity, and proportionality when supporting children in distress
- Risk factors and warning signs when working with dysregulated children in classroom settings
Understand:
- The core principle that every child experiencing distress should be treated with dignity and respect
- How staff Duty of Care should influence decision-making when managing incidents in school environments
- The difference between emergency and planned interventions for dysregulated behavior
- The ethical considerations in avoiding coercion and applying regulation-first approaches
- When it may be appropriate or necessary to hold a child, and when it may NOT be appropriate
- How to minimize risks when physical interventions are used as a last resort
Be able to do:
- Apply effective non-escalation and de-escalation techniques with children experiencing distress
- Demonstrate safe physical intervention skills, including prompting, escorting, and holds when necessary
- Execute personal safety and breakaway techniques in classroom environments
- Clearly articulate the rationale for different interventions using a regulation-first framework
- Apply good-practice guidance to common high-risk incidents in educational settings
Course Format
This intensive short-format course uses a blended flipped-classroom approach:
- Pre-course online learning (90 minutes): Participants complete foundational theory modules through our online learning management system (LMS), covering legal frameworks, theoretical models, and core principles of positive handling
- In-person training (3 hours): Intensive practical session focusing on scenario-driven training using the SCENA approach (research-informed and evidence-based), with hands-on practice of de-escalation techniques and physical skills
Target Audience
- Teaching staff in mainstream primary and secondary schools
- Staff in special educational needs settings
- Early years practitioners
- Learning support assistants
- School leadership teams
Training Methodologies
Our training combines multiple evidence-based approaches:
- Scenario-driven training using the SCENA approach
- Practical role-play of common school scenarios involving children with dysregulated behavior
- Interactive discussions and problem-solving around regulation-first strategies
- Physical skills practice in a supportive environment
- Video case studies and analysis of classroom situations
Tailoring and Relevance
This training is specifically designed for YOUR staff working with YOUR children who present with behaviors of concern. The course is customized based on a Training Needs Analysis to address your school’s unique environment, whether Early Years, Mainstream Primary, SEN contexts, Secondary Schools, or other educational settings.
Legal and Medical Review
Our training content is tactically effective, legally correct, and medically safe. All physical intervention techniques are developed with expert input and would withstand scrutiny in legal proceedings.
Trainer Qualifications and Credibility
All Dynamis trainers have extensive experience in education settings and are certified in positive handling techniques. Our trainers maintain current knowledge of legal frameworks and best practices in supporting children with complex needs.
Resources Provided
Participants will receive:
- Comprehensive digital handbook with reference materials
- Access to our online learning portal for 12 months
- Quick reference guides for classroom implementation
- Templates for incident reporting and reflection
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
The effectiveness of this training will be measured through:
- Pre and post-course knowledge assessments
- Practical skills evaluations during the in-person session
Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning (optional extra)
To ensure sustained implementation and skill retention:
- Monthly micro-learning refreshers delivered via email
- Optional quarterly virtual Q&A sessions with trainers
- Access to case study libraries and scenario discussion forums
- Guidance for team leaders on conducting mini-refresher sessions
- Follow-up surveys at 3 and 6 months post-training
- Analysis of incident reports and outcomes in your setting
One Day Positive Handling for School Settings
Course Aim: To equip school staff with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills to manage challenging behavior and physical confrontation with children safely, legally, and ethically, using brain-based approaches to understand dysregulation.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants will:
Know:
- The legal frameworks that govern physical interventions with children, including relevant legislation and duty of care in school settings.
- The key principles of crisis prevention and de-escalation using the Kaplan-Wheeler model of behavior crisis.
- Risk factors and warning signs associated with child dysregulation in classrooms, corridors, and playground environments.
- Documentation requirements for incidents involving physical interventions in educational settings.
Understand:
- The ethical considerations when implementing physical interventions with children experiencing dysregulation.
- The importance of maintaining dignity and respect throughout all interactions, recognizing trauma responses.
- How trauma-informed, brain-based approaches influence intervention strategies for dysregulated children.
- The distinction between planned and emergency interventions in classroom and corridor situations.
Be able to do:
- Apply effective verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques based on the phases of the Kaplan-Wheeler model.
- Demonstrate safe physical intervention skills appropriate for school staff working with children.
- Execute personal safety and breakaway techniques specific to classroom and corridor environments.
- Conduct post-incident reviews and reflection to improve future practice and support children’s emotional regulation.
Course Duration: One day (6 hours)
Target Audience: School staff who may encounter challenging behavior requiring physical intervention as part of their role with dysregulated children.
Learning Methodologies:
This course utilizes a blended approach of theoretical discussion on brain-based behavior models, practical demonstrations, and supervised skills practice. Participants will engage in scenario-based learning with ample opportunity for hands-on practice in simulated classroom and corridor environments.
Tailoring and Relevance:
All training content is specifically tailored to the unique challenges and situations faced by school staff in their educational setting. Case studies and scenarios are customized to reflect real-world situations involving dysregulated children in classrooms, corridors, and other school environments.
Legal and Medical Review:
All physical techniques taught are medically reviewed, legally defensible, and aligned with current best practice for managing children’s dysregulation. Techniques prioritize safety and minimal restriction while maintaining effectiveness in school settings.
Trainer Qualifications:
Courses are delivered by experienced instructors with extensive practical background in managing challenging behavior and physical interventions with children in educational environments.
Resources Provided:
Participants receive comprehensive handouts, quick reference guides to the Kaplan-Wheeler model, and access to follow-up support. Digital resources on brain-based approaches to children’s behavior are available for refresher purposes.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Learning is assessed through observation of practical skills, knowledge checks on brain-based models, and scenario-based assessments in simulated classroom environments. Participant feedback informs continuous improvement of the course.
Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning:
Schools are supported to implement regular refresher sessions and practice opportunities. Follow-up coaching is available to strengthen implementation of de-escalation techniques and appropriate interventions for dysregulated children in the school environment.
Crisis Response for Schools: An Online Training Course for Staff
This 90-minute online training course delivered through our Learning Management System equips school staff with essential knowledge and skills to respond appropriately and effectively when children present with crisis behaviors. Using the Know, Understand, Do (KUD) framework, this course combines video presentations and knowledge check exercises to ensure comprehensive learning.
Course Overview
The course focuses on providing school staff with a foundation in crisis behavior recognition, prevention, and appropriate response techniques. Participants will complete interactive modules covering legal frameworks, behavior phases, de-escalation strategies, and best practices for maintaining safety in educational environments.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will:
Know:
- The Kaplan Wheeler model of Crisis Behavior and the 7 phases of crisis behavior
- Relevant legal frameworks including duty of care, necessity, and proportionality principles
- Health and Safety implications including Duty of Employer (Section 2) to Staff and Duty of Employer to Others (Section 3)
- The principles of reasonable force and when it should (and should NOT) be used
- Risk factors associated with physical interventions and warning signs
Understand:
- The importance of non-escalation and using primary prevention strategies wherever possible
- How trauma impacts baseline behavior and triggers escalation
- The difference between emergency and planned interventions
- The effects of survival hormones and perceptual narrowing during crisis situations
Be able to do:
- Recognize pre-incident indicators and signs of escalating behavior
- Apply effective non-escalation and de-escalation techniques
- Identify appropriate responses for different phases of crisis behavior
- Make informed decisions about when physical intervention might be necessary
- Document and report incidents appropriately
Course Structure and Content
Module 1: Understanding Crisis Behavior (25 minutes)
- Video Presentation: Introduction to the Kaplan Wheeler model of Crisis Behavior
- Interactive Diagram: The 7 phases of crisis behavior
- Video Case Study: Recognizing triggers and early warning signs
- Knowledge Check: Identifying behavior phases and appropriate responses
Module 2: Legal and Ethical Frameworks (20 minutes)
- Video Presentation: Duty of Care and Decision Making
- Animated Explainer: Principles of Reasonable Force
- Case Study: When force should never be used
- Knowledge Check: Applying legal principles to scenario-based questions
Module 3: De-escalation Strategies (25 minutes)
- Video Demonstration: Effective verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques
- Interactive Exercise: Recognizing vulnerability and using special needs strategies
- Video Case Study: Redirecting negative behavior
- Knowledge Check: Selecting appropriate de-escalation approaches
Module 4: Risk Management and Documentation (20 minutes)
- Video Presentation: Understanding injury risks and physical intervention hazards
- Flowchart: Decision-making process for crisis situations
- Demonstration: Proper documentation and reporting procedures
- Final Knowledge Check: Comprehensive assessment covering all modules
Delivery Method
This course is delivered through our Moodle Learning Management System, which tracks participant progress including:
- Login times and duration
- Time spent on each learning module
- Video viewing completion
- Quiz attempts and scores
Participants must achieve a minimum score of 80% on each knowledge check to be certified as having completed the course.
Learning Methodologies
Our online training format is designed to create baseline knowledge and understanding of key theoretical ideas and guidance which learners can leverage to make better decisions in real-world situations. The concept is to ‘flip the classroom’ so that core knowledge material is introduced before any in-person training, giving learners and trainers the most efficient use of their time together.
Reinforcement and Follow-Up
This 90-minute online course serves as a foundation for understanding crisis behaviors and appropriate responses. For comprehensive skills development, this course should be complemented with in-person physical skills training, as physical intervention techniques cannot be effectively taught or assessed online.
Upon completion, participants will have access to our resources folder containing guidance documents and templates that support the implementation of positive handling policies and procedures.
NOTE: While this online course provides essential knowledge and understanding, physical intervention skills must always be delivered in person so that staff can experience and understand holding tactics under proper assessment from a qualified trainer.
Sustain & Enhance
A training day energises a team, then it fades. Sustain & Enhance keeps skills current with refresher sessions, toolbox talks and year-round support, so practice stays consistent after the course ends.
Organisation Development
Some changes need more than a course. Organisation Development aligns leadership, policy and practice across a school or trust, so the decisions staff make after an incident match what they were taught.
Other courses we run
Every course we teach for schools, with the setting and duration it suits.
- Crisis Intervention & Self-Harm one day
- Fostering & Parents one day
- Positive Handling formats overview
- SEND Training two days
- Engaging with Parents half day
- Train the Trainer five days
- Two-Day PBIS two days
- Whole School Briefing 60-90 minutes
Proven Impact
Schools across the UK use our half-day Positive Handling training to build confidence, reduce risks, and meet compliance needs.
“The blended half-day positive handling training was perfect for our team — short, practical, and immediately useful in school.”
SENCO, Secondary
Our Support
From online learning to in-person skills, we guide schools with blended solutions that fit busy timetables and deliver real results.
Your Path
Simple, clear steps
1
2
Deliver 3-hour positive handling workshop
3
Embed positive handling practice with CPD
Full-day, blended or train-the-trainer: which format fits which setting?
Frequently Asked Questions
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What comes next?
Starting from £99 per learner per day for most teams.
Face-to-face, in-house across the UK. Tell us your team size and we will price it properly.
Guides
Download our Positive Handling starter guide for schools.
Contact Us
Ready to explore Positive Handling training for your staff team? Let’s talk today.