Behaviour Management Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how we promote positive behaviour, manage challenging behaviour, and ensure the safe use of any restrictive physical interventions. It also outlines how sanctions and exclusions are used within our Alternative Provision.

2. Principles

Behaviour is understood as communication and is addressed through support, structure and consistent expectations.
All responses to behaviour must safeguard the pupil and others.
Physical intervention is used only as a last resort, when necessary to prevent harm, and never as a disciplinary measure.
All pupils are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
Staff work collaboratively with parents, carers and professionals to maintain a consistent approach.

3. Promoting Positive Behaviour

Clear routines and expectations are established at the start of provision.
Tutors use relationship-based practice, de-escalation strategies and positive reinforcement.
Individual behaviour plans may be created for pupils with identified behavioural needs.
Tutors model calm, respectful communication at all times.

4. Managing Challenging Behaviour

When behaviour disrupts learning or safety:

Tutor uses de-escalation techniques including redirection, verbal calming and structured choices.
Tutor assesses risk and modifies the environment where needed.
If behaviour persists, a break, change of activity or shortened session may be used.
Concerns are recorded and shared with parents/carers and the referring professional.
Persistent issues may trigger a multi-disciplinary review.

5. Prohibited Approaches

The following are never permitted:

Corporal punishment
Verbal humiliation or degrading treatment
Restricting food, water or basic comfort
Use of physical force as a punishment
Threats of exclusion as coercion

6. Restrictive Physical Interventions

Physical intervention may only be used when:

A pupil is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others
There is a risk of serious damage to property that could endanger safety
No other safe option is available

Physical intervention must:

Be reasonable, proportionate and necessary
Be the minimum force for the shortest time
Never involve pain-compliance, ground restraint or prone restraint
Be carried out only by staff who have received appropriate training

After any intervention:

The incident is recorded in detail
The pupil is offered the opportunity to reflect and recover
Parents/carers and referring professionals are informed
The DSL reviews the incident and any follow-up actions

7. Sanctions

Sanctions are used sparingly and only when proportionate. Acceptable sanctions include:

Loss of part of a session (where educationally appropriate)
Temporary pause or modification of activities
Increased structure or supervision
Restorative conversations

Sanctions must always be explained clearly and applied consistently. They must not compromise dignity or wellbeing.

8. Exclusion or Withdrawal of Provision

Exclusion from our provision is a last resort. A pupil may be withdrawn where:

Behaviour presents ongoing risk that cannot be safely managed
Physical intervention becomes repeatedly necessary
There is persistent non-engagement despite support
A multi-agency review recommends alternative provision

Exclusion or withdrawal steps:

Behaviour concerns are documented and shared.
A multi-disciplinary review is held with parents/carers and the referring body.
A decision is made jointly where possible.
A transition plan or signposting to alternative provision is provided.

Emergency exclusion may take place where an immediate safety risk exists. The referring authority is notified without delay.

9. Recording and Reporting

All significant behavioural incidents are recorded with:

Factual account of events
Any de-escalation used
Any physical intervention applied
Outcomes and follow-up actions

Records are shared with parents/carers and referring professionals as appropriate.

10. Review of Policy

This policy is reviewed annually or earlier if guidance changes.