At our SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) Special School, we are committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and emotional development of all our students. Below is some important information about Team Teach and the use of physical interventions, which are occasionally necessary to support children with dysregulated behaviour.

What is Team Teach?

Team Teach is a nationally recognised training program for school staff. It provides techniques and strategies to help manage dysregulated behaviour in a calm, safe, and respectful way. The goal of Team Teach is to:

Reduce the need for physical intervention by promoting positive behaviour and de-escalation techniques.

Keep everyone safe, including students and staff.

Support children to regulate their emotions and develop better ways to cope with difficulties.

Staff are trained to use:

     •  De-escalation strategies: These include talking calmly, giving choices, and offering time for children to settle.

     •. Physical interventions: Used only when necessary, in a safe and controlled way, to protect the child or others.

What are Physical Interventions?

A physical intervention is when staff use safe, hands-on techniques to prevent harm. This might be needed if a child is:

     •  Hurting themselves or someone else.

     •  Causing serious damage to property.

     •  At risk of running into danger.

When physical intervention is used In the best interests of the student based on risk assessment, it is:

There is no alternative: Staff use other strategies first, such as calming techniques and giving the child space.

Proportionate and safe: The intervention is as gentle and brief as possible, to meet the immediate need for safety.

In line with training: All staff are trained to use interventions that avoid harm and protect the dignity of the child.

What Happens After an Intervention?

After any physical intervention, the school follows up carefully:

     •. Debriefing with the child: Staff will talk with your child when they are calm to help them understand what happened and learn new ways to manage their feelings.

     •. Recording the incident: The school keeps detailed records of all interventions, which are monitored to ensure they are used appropriately.

     •  Informing parents/carers: You will be informed if your child has been involved in a situation where physical intervention was required.

Why Do We Use Team Teach?

Children in SEMH schools often struggle with managing strong emotions or behaviours. Our priority is to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Team Teach helps us:

     •  Prevent situations from escalating.

     •  Keep everyone safe during challenging situations.

     •  Support children to develop emotional resilience and self-regulation skills.

Your Questions Answered

Will physical interventions hurt my child?

No. The techniques are designed to keep everyone safe and minimise distress. Staff are trained to use interventions that avoid causing pain or harm.

How often are physical interventions used?

Physical interventions are only used when absolutely necessary to prevent harm. Our focus is always on early intervention and de-escalation.

Can I see the school’s policy on physical interventions?

Yes, our policies on behaviour and physical interventions are available for parents. Please contact the school office if you’d like a copy or have any questions.

What if I have concerns about an incident?

We encourage open communication. If you have concerns, please contact the school so we can discuss the situation and work together to support your child.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to know more about Team Teach or physical interventions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the school office. We are here to work with you to ensure the best outcomes for your child.