1.6. Describe safeguards that must be in place if restrictive physical interventions are used

This guide will help you answer 1.6. Describe safeguards that must be in place if restrictive physical interventions are used.

Restrictive physical interventions refer to actions taken to limit a person’s movement to reduce harm. They are typically used in situations where someone’s behaviour poses a risk to themselves or others. Such interventions should only be a last resort and carried out under strict guidelines.

Specific standards and practices must be followed to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of children and young people when these interventions are used.

Legal Framework and Policies

Using restrictive physical interventions must comply with UK laws. These include:

• The Human Rights Act 1998: Everyone has the right to freedom and respect for their dignity.
• The Children Act 1989: Interventions must prioritise the welfare of the child or young person.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Ensuring the safety of everyone involved is mandatory.

Additionally, government guidelines, such as the Department for Education’s guidance on the use of reasonable force, must guide the application of interventions.

Before implementing physical interventions, organisations must have clear policies in place. These policies should outline:

• Circumstances where interventions are and are not appropriate.
• The professionals authorised to use such methods and the training they must complete.
• A commitment to reducing the use of restrictive practices over time.

Training and Competence

Anyone using restrictive physical interventions should have proper training. This helps them understand how to perform the techniques safely and legally.

Key elements of training include:

• Understanding child development and the triggers of challenging behaviour.
• Learning de-escalation strategies to prevent situations from escalating to physical intervention.
• Knowing the risks involved in physical restraint, such as injury or emotional trauma.

Training sessions should cover practical demonstrations and allow time for participants to practise techniques. Staff must receive regular updates and refreshers to keep their knowledge current.

Promoting De-Escalation First

De-escalation techniques should always be used before resorting to restrictive physical interventions. These techniques aim to calm the situation without physical contact.

Useful strategies include:

• Using a calm and reassuring tone of voice.
• Allowing time and space for the child or young person to self-regulate.
• Offering clear, simple choices to promote cooperation.

Restrictive physical interventions must only occur if these strategies fail and there is an immediate risk of harm.

Acting With Proportionality and Necessity

When a restrictive physical intervention is required, it must meet the principles of proportionality and necessity. This means the intervention must:

• Match the level of risk presented by the behaviour.
• Be the least restrictive option that could work.
• Stop as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Overusing or using excessive force can breach a person’s rights and lead to serious consequences, including legal action.

Monitoring the Intervention

Constant monitoring during the intervention is vital. This ensures:

• The child or young person is not in distress or pain.
• The restraint is not causing physical harm, such as restricted breathing.
• The situation does not escalate further.

The person performing the intervention should communicate throughout to reassure the child or young person and others present.

Minimising Psychological Harm

Restrictive physical interventions can have lasting emotional effects. To reduce the risk of psychological harm:

• Intervene in private where possible to maintain the individual’s dignity.
• Use calming techniques and avoid aggressive or loud communication.
• Provide reassurance and support immediately after the incident.

Once the situation is resolved, it’s essential to offer emotional support and give the young person an opportunity to express how they feel.

Recording and Reporting

Every restrictive physical intervention must be followed by accurate recording and reporting. Detailed documentation provides accountability and helps evaluate whether the situation was handled appropriately.

Reports should include:

• The date, time, and location of the incident.
• A clear explanation of why the intervention was necessary.
• The methods used and how long the restraint lasted.
• Observations about the child’s physical and emotional state during and after the intervention.
• Names of those involved and witnesses, if any.

These records can help identify patterns and guide improvements in behaviour management practices.

Debriefing After the Incident

Debriefing is a structured conversation that happens after an incident. It involves everyone directly involved, including staff and the child or young person.

Debriefing serves several purposes:

• It allows for reflection on what happened and whether the intervention was appropriate.
• It identifies triggers that might help prevent future incidents.
• It provides emotional support to all parties.

Feedback obtained during debriefing can be used to adjust individual care plans or the organisation’s policies.

Parental Involvement

Parents or carers have a right to know if a restrictive physical intervention has been used. Informing them fosters trust and partnership in supporting the child or young person.

The process of involving parents should include:

• A clear explanation of why the intervention was necessary.
• Sharing an accurate account of the incident and its outcome.
• Allowing parents to voice concerns or ask questions.

Organisations may have specific protocols for involving parents or carers, so staff should always follow these guidelines.

Risk Assessments

Carrying out risk assessments is vital to planning for situations that might require restrictive physical interventions.

These assessments:

• Identify triggers and risky situations for individual children or young people.
• Specify strategies to prevent or manage challenging behaviour.
• Outline the interventions that staff are authorised to use for specific scenarios.

Risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in behaviour or circumstances.

Promoting a Positive Culture

A positive and supportive environment reduces the need for restrictive physical interventions. Building such a culture includes:

• Celebrating achievements and good behaviour.
• Offering consistent routines and clear expectations.
• Providing opportunities for children and young people to develop self-regulation skills.

When children feel safe and valued, they are less likely to display behaviours that might lead to risky situations.

Final Thoughts

Safeguards for restrictive physical interventions are there to protect everyone involved – the child or young person, other children, and staff. These safeguards focus on legality, training, communication, monitoring, and respect for rights and dignity. By prioritising prevention and managing challenging behaviour effectively, interventions can be minimised, creating a safer and more supportive environment.