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.”