Behavioural and social communication interventions for SEMH and autism: what the evidence says
Original source: Department for Education — Behavioural and social communication interventions for children and young people with SEMH and autism: a rapid evidence review (ref RR1624, July 2026). Research evidence, not statutory guidance. This is the newest and most practically focused report in the DfE’s SEND rapid evidence series. Where the earlier reviews concentrated on […]
Identifying and supporting SEMH needs in schools: what the evidence says
Original source: Department for Education — Identifying and supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs: a rapid evidence review (ref RR1549, September 2025). Research evidence, not statutory guidance. Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) is now the second most common primary need among pupils on SEN support — behind only […]
Restraint Reduction Training for Schools — Reduce Physical Interventions | Positive Handling
Restraint Reduction Training for Schools: How to Reduce Physical Interventions Restraint reduction in schools is not about telling staff to do nothing. That message is unfair and unsafe. School staff have a duty to keep pupils and others safe. There will be rare moments where physical intervention is necessary to prevent harm. A pupil may […]
Positive Handling Techniques for Schools — A Practical Guide | Positive Handling
Positive Handling Techniques: A Practical Guide for School Staff Positive handling is one of those phrases that can sound clearer than it is. In schools, it is often used to describe the physical support or intervention staff may use when a pupil is at risk of harming themselves or others. But if the phrase is […]
Positive Handling Techniques for Schools — A Practical Guide | Positive Handling
Positive Handling Techniques: A Practical Guide for School Staff Positive handling is one of those phrases that can sound clearer than it is. In schools, it is often used to describe the physical support or intervention staff may use when a pupil is at risk of harming themselves or others. But if the phrase is […]
An inclusion base should be an intervention, not a destination
An inclusion base should be an intervention, not a destination Movement towards greater participation in mainstream classes where appropriate The DfE’s new guidance on inclusion bases is best understood as part of a wider policy move: mainstream schools are being asked to become more capable of meeting complex SEND, behavioural, pastoral and attendance needs without […]
Schools being too strict?
Schools being too strict? This piece was prompted by the BBC’s report on a pupil who spent more than half a school year in an isolation booth (BBC News). Strictness without dignity is not discipline I was asked this week to look at the BBC’s report on a pupil who spent more than half a […]
Report – Managing Behaviours of Concern and Workplace Risk in UK Schools
This post is about report – managing behaviours. For many educators, exposure to verbal and physical aggression, supporting children in acute distress, and responding to crisis situations has become a recurring — and often under-acknowledged — part of the job. This thematic review, “Managing Behaviours of Concern and Workplace Risk in UK Schools,” draws on […]
Training tailored for the unique needs of a Special School
Doing our homework on your special school This post is about training tailored for the. Our team often visit with special schools to work with staff who are seeing increased risk in their work with children who have behavioural and emotional difficulties. The session is heavily customised for their higher-risk scenarios. We had excellent feedback […]
Course Feedback: “excellent practical guidance”
This post is about positive handling. “Excellent practical guidance backed up with clear theoretical principles. We are now incorporating key ideas into our practice and policy. Staff were delighted with the sessions and are keen to own it in their practice.” –> Headteacher, Alternative Provision, North-West London in March 2017 We recently provided training to […]