Steve Lord

BS/MI 170/00/sb 01603 433276

12 October 2000 01603 702106

To: The Headteacher, all Norfolk schools

Dear Headteacher

It is important to remember that the majority of young people in our schools behave very well and conform to our reasonable expectations. However, in very extreme cases some physical interventions may be needed and this must be done in very controlled and expert ways.

The accompanying papers explain the procedures for accessing training for school staff in positive handling strategies for pupils with severe behavioural difficulties.

Schools can currently access advice, training and inservice opportunities about behaviour management at an individual child and whole-school level through the Psychological Service and The Advisory Service. The Education Department is seeking to support those schools requiring more specific physical management strategies for pupils with serious and extremely challenging behaviour problems (most of whom will have a statement of special educational needs) by offering a central core of trainers who have been accredited as instructors within the TEAM-TEACH approach. This has already been implemented in Norfolk’s Special Schools. The nature of this approach and the details of the training that is now available to other schools are laid out in this briefing paper.

It is very important that the briefing paper is read thoroughly before any application is made for training and that the attached guidance on promoting positive handling strategies is understood.

 The Education Department has already produced guidance in relation to DfEE Circular 10/98 to support schools in producing policies for the positive management of behaviour including the physical control of pupils, (Education Department Health and Safety Manual: Positive Management of Aggressive and Violent Behaviour). This document will be reviewed in the light of new DfEE guidance due out shortly.

If you require further information about this matter, please contact either Steve Lord on 01603 433276 or James Thatcher on 01603 222574.

Yours faithfully

Dr Bryan Slater

Director of Education