The training emphasises physical support as but one part of a whole setting approach to behaviour support. Physical techniques are not be taught in isolation. In Team-Teach training, they account for only two out eight modules.
The training has evolved from a residential care and educational background. It continually emphasises positive relationships as being the key element in our working. The physical techniques help to protect and maintain these relationships.

The physical techniques have sufficient range and robustness to be appropriate across the age and development range, for both the intentional and non-intentional "challenging" individual.

The physical techniques provide a gradual, graded system of response commensurate with the situation, task and individuals involved, allowing for phasing up or down as dictated to by the circumstances at the time.

The stress is always, where possible, on the "last resort" option when using "reasonable" force.

There is an emphasis on appropriate and targeted verbal and non-verbal communication Paraverbal skills matter at all times, during a restraint however, it is what you say and how you say it that is important.

The aim is for the person to calm down sufficiently so that staff can return the physical control and help find a better way.

A C.A.L.M. (Communication, Awareness /Assessment Listening/looking and Making safe skills) approach is expected at all times when managing such situations.

Staff are encouraged to make a risk assessment, both before, during and after any serious incident involving positive handling. Running parallel with this risk assessment is the "duty of care" question they have both to the child and themselves.

Staff numbers: Where there is time and sufficient resources the emphasis should be on the involvement of at least two members of staff when such crisis situations occur.

Training will comply with the Human Rights Act.

There is an emphasis on the Health and Safety of course members through-out the training. Support and co-operation are key values with the emphasis being on using the minimum amount of force that is necessary in order to achieve the objectives. That the resistance used in training is proportionate to the level of confidence and competence gained. Role-play is carefully controlled by instructors and is not used until course members have acquired sufficient skill and expertise.

The training venue, (the amount of available space) is an important element in keeping training safe.

Although a serious subject, the training has a fun element and will enhance team-work, co-operation and staff - morale.

Where possible, the expectation is that course members will exhaust all behavioural support strategies before they physically intervene. Where and when there is time, the physical interventions must been as a "last resort option" for staff. All physical techniques should be endorsed in policy and supported by management and those in "authority".

Where a service user requires repeated physical management, the strategies and techniques should be planned for and agreed in advance. They should be written out and included in individual care/ health/ education / behaviour support plans.

Training will help Settings / Organisations meet their obligations under Health and Safety legislation, thus reducing potential liability claims.

The physical techniques are constantly being evaluated and monitored, with safety for staff and service users being paramount.

Team-Teach instructor courses are quality controlled and externally moderated.

All tutors are required to update as per the re-accreditation timescales if they wish to retain their certification to teach within their employer's organisations or District. During the following grace period (4 months) tutors can assist but not lead. Once outside of the grace period tutors are no longer validated by Team- Teach to train staff.

Tutors are provided a manual with detailed lesson plans and video (a visual record of the core competency based positive and protective handling techniques). Also a CD with the course booklet and various good practice documents and materials to aid the delivery of their own courses.

Tutors are required to produce a summary evaluation report that is returned to the Director of Team-Teach. The evaluation report will address the critical issues of safety and the techniques being but one part of a holistic, whole setting response to behaviour support.

Random sampling of training is undertaken.

Organisations and Districts are encouraged to achieve a gender balance when selecting individuals for tutor training. Ideally tutor teams should be composed of a least one male and one female. This is important when it comes to facilitating the right approach and attitude from course members.

Intermediate tutors are NOT permitted to train new members of staff alone. The ratio of tutors to new course members should be no less than 2 tutors to 12 staff, above 12 - 24 course members, 3 tutors are required, 25-36 course members 4 tutors are required, the ratios then increase by 12 and 1 tutor. For refreshers it is permitted for 1 tutor to refresh a group upto 12 in size before being required to gain the assistance of another tutor. For Advanced tutors this ratio drops to 2:8 / 3: 16 / 4: 24. Twenty-four is the maximum size permitted for advance modular training.

Tutors are assessed in both the theory and practical elements of the course.

Instructors become part of a"good practice" database network.

Following training as staff become more confident and competent, there should be a decrease in the amount of serious incidents/restraints taking place. Instructors are required to monitor the impact and effectiveness of their training.

Team-Teach acknowledges that no single technique is foolproof. All incidents and situations carry an element of risk. The physical techniques in Team-Teach minimise risk whilst providing a caring and considered response.

If "authorised adults" are to acquire confidence and competence, there will be a need for distilled number of techniques to be selected, relevant to the setting concerned, to be refreshed and practiced on a "regular" basis.

New staff should be introduced to Team-Teach as part of their induction, within no more than 60 working days.

Team-Teach promotes cross-agency, multi-professional collaboration - Family and Community Services, Education, Health - All have basically similar concerns and needs in this area. Although the training packages used may be called "different" acronyms, it would be to spread ownership and knowledge of what techniques are being used and in what setting. Similar values, rationale and principles should be present with a consistency of approach that is appropriate to the setting concerned.

Team-Teach training has received letters of support from unions and national Associations, as well as favourable comments from Ofsted and the Health & Safety Executive.