INTRODUCTION OF COURSE

The Positive Behaviour & Breakaway for Schools course is designed to equip school staff with the knowledge and practical strategies to promote positive behaviour, de-escalate challenging situations, and use safe breakaway techniques when necessary. The course focuses on early intervention, communication, and person-centred approaches that reduce risk while supporting the dignity and well-being of pupils. It provides essential skills for managing incidents safely and in line with legal and school policy requirements.

TRAINING COURSE CONTENT

This course provides comprehensive coverage of:

✅ Understanding behaviour in the school environment

Learners will explore what is meant by positive behaviour and challenging behaviour in a school context. This section helps staff understand the influences on pupil behaviour, including emotional, social, environmental, and developmental factors.

✅ Promoting a positive school culture

This part highlights how positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and consistent boundaries contribute to a respectful and supportive learning environment. Learners will consider how their communication, body language, and actions impact pupil behaviour.

✅ Early intervention and de-escalation strategies

Staff will learn how to recognise early signs of distress or escalation in pupils and apply practical, non-confrontational strategies to defuse tension. Techniques include using calm verbal and non-verbal communication, distraction, offering choices, and adjusting the environment.

✅ Breakaway techniques for personal safety

This section covers safe, low-risk breakaway techniques that enable staff to disengage and move away from grabs or holds in a way that minimises harm to both themselves and pupils. Emphasis is placed on only using breakaway methods as a last resort when necessary for safety.

✅ Legal, ethical, and policy considerations

Learners will review the legal frameworks (e.g. Education and Inspections Act 2006, Human Rights Act) and school policies that govern behaviour management and physical interventions. This section reinforces the need for proportional, reasonable, and necessary responses in line with duty of care.

✅ Recording, reporting, and reflecting on incidents

The course will cover how to document incidents factually and accurately in accordance with school procedures, and how reflective practice helps staff learn from incidents to improve future approaches.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, learners will:

• Understand the factors that influence behaviour in schools

• Recognise strategies to encourage positive behaviour and prevent escalation

• Apply practical de-escalation skills to manage challenging behaviour

• Demonstrate safe, basic breakaway techniques when needed

• Be aware of legal, ethical, and policy frameworks relating to behaviour management

• Know how to record and report incidents accurately

• Appreciate the role of reflection in improving practice

TRAINING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: What is the main aim of positive behaviour strategies?

Answer: To encourage desirable behaviour through positive reinforcement, clear boundaries, and supportive communication.

Question: When is it appropriate to use a breakaway technique?

Answer: As a last resort, when there is a risk to personal safety and other de-escalation strategies have not worked.

Question: Why is it important to document incidents involving challenging behaviour?

Answer: To provide an accurate record for safeguarding, accountability, and learning, and to comply with school policies.

Question: Give an example of a de-escalation technique.

Answer: Using a calm tone of voice and offering the pupil choices to regain control of the situation.