---
title: Behaviour Management
description: "**1 | Purpose & ethos** Positive, predictable relationships are the most effective safeguard and the best behaviour-management tool. Our approach therefore: - **Validates need behind behaviour** – many reactions are survival strategies rooted in earlier trauma. - **Prioritises safety &…"
url: "https://handbook.co.uk/docs/behaviour-management/"
updated: "2025-10-28"
category: Foster Carer Handbook
tags:
  - Behaviour Management
---

# Behaviour Management

**1 | Purpose & ethos**

Positive, predictable relationships are the most effective safeguard and the best behaviour-management tool. Our approach therefore:

- **Validates need behind behaviour** – many reactions are survival strategies rooted in earlier trauma.
- **Prioritises safety & connection** – PACE-ful responses (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) regulate the child first, then address the behaviour.
- **Protects dignity & rights** – every measure is lawful, necessary, proportionate and the least restrictive option. Corporal punishment is prohibited.

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**2 | Individualised planning**

1. **Placement Planning Meeting (PPM)** → record triggers, strengths and preferred calming strategies in the **Individual Behaviour-Management Plan (IBMP)**.
2. **Risk Assessment & Safer Caring Plan** → score current risks (self-harm, CSE, gang affiliation, radicalisation) and set agreed responses. Review after *any* incident or at least every three months.
3. **Household Safer Caring Policy** → adapt family routines (e.g., supervision levels, bedroom checks, online-safety permissions) to each child’s needs.

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**3 | Every-day positive practice**

| **Principle** | **Practical examples** |
| --- | --- |
| **Catch the good** | Daily descriptive praise; reward charts agreed with the child. |
| **Clear, kind expectations** | “Use walking feet indoors”; house rules displayed in words & pictures. |
| **Choice within limits** | Offer two acceptable options (“Shower now or after your snack?”). |
| **Repair & reflect, not reprimand** | Post-incident debrief when calm; explore feelings, not blame. |
| **Safe sensory outlets** | Stress balls, movement breaks, weighted blankets (if helpful). |

Sanctions, when needed, must be *short, linked and proportionate* (e.g., paying for deliberate damage from pocket-money). Removing basic needs, humiliation, shouting in anger or group punishments are never acceptable.

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**4 | Physical restraint – last resort**

Use only to prevent **imminent injury** or **serious property damage**, after de-escalation has failed. Must be:

- **Reasonable, proportionate, necessary** – minimum force, shortest time.
- **Pre-planned** – written into the IBMP and agreed by the placing authority.
- **Performed only by trained carers** – untrained carers move others away and summon help.
- **Monitored & reviewed** – Incident Form within 24 h; Schedule 6 notification; senior-manager oversight.

Never use restraint to enforce compliance, punish, or stop a child leaving the house (unless to prevent immediate harm).

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**5 | Recording & notifications (24-hour rule)**

1. **Incident Form** → facts, ABC (Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence), child’s view.
2. **Phone call ASAP** → Supervising Social Worker (SSW) and child’s social worker.
3. **Update** → Risk Assessment, Safer Caring Policy (Household & Child), IBMP.
4. **Schedule 6 / Ofsted** → if criteria met (SSW will advise).
   Accurate, timely recording protects carers and children and enables service learning.

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**6 | Support & learning after incidents**

- **Child** – medical check if needed; offer food, drink, a calm space; PACE debrief when regulated.
- **Carer & household** – SSW reflective visit within 48 h; access peer support, counselling or additional training.
- **Review meeting** – with carer, child (where appropriate) and professionals to adapt strategies and celebrate any progress.

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**7 | Linked policies & where to find them**

| **Area** | **Policy / procedure** | **Why it matters** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Acceptable & prohibited measures | Behaviour Management Policy & Guidance | Core framework for rewards/sanctions. |
| Safe physical intervention | Restraint Policy | Legal criteria, approved techniques, reporting pathway. |
| Whole-house safety rules | Safer Caring Policy (Household & Child specific) | Embeds routines, supervision levels, privacy. |
| Safeguarding thresholds | Safeguarding Policy | Links challenging behaviour to possible abuse/exploitation. |
| Dynamic risk reviews | Risk Assessment & Risk Management Policy | Ensures plans evolve after incidents. |
| Secure documentation | Recording Policy / Procedure | Details storage, GDPR compliance, audit. |

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**Remember:** behaviour is communication. Stay curious, stay connected, and let each interaction reinforce the message: *“You are safe here, and your feelings make sense.”*