Little Munchkins offers information on the three main types of physical handling used by our Nursery / Pre-School.
Positive handling to aid children with guidance such as how to hold paint brush, Providing emotional support such as arm around a distressed child and physical care such as first aid or toileting.
Physical Intervention is a means to provide appropriate ways to ensuring child’s safety, to includes mechanical and environmental means such high chairs, stair gates or locked doors.
Restrictive Physical Intervention is when a member of staff uses physical force intentionally to restrict a child’s movement against his or her will, i.e. such as holding a hand to guide the child away from harm, Physical intervention to stop a child injuring themselves or others or causing damage to property and if there is a suspicion that they may be about to do any of the above.
Aim We aim to provide safe environment for all children and staff alike, as per guideline set out by: - Hampshire County Council guidelines (1999) physical restraint for Schools. - Hampshire County Council Planning and Recording guidance for Schools (2003) - Health and Safety at work (1974 and 1999) - Criminal Law act (1967)
Methods
Dealing with child in an emergency situation staff does their best within their duty of care and using reasonable minimal force.
After an emergency the situation is reviewed and plans for a appropriate future response are made, these will included -What the risks are -Who is at risk and how -What can be done to manage the risk
If its seen that a individual behaviour plan is required to support a child, the behaviour plan will assess the cause for concern then a risk assessment is used to help write the individual plan, if restrictive physical intervention is required it will be just one part of the whole approach to supporting the child’s behaviour.
The individual plan will outline: - An understanding of what the child is trying to achieve or communicate through their behaviour. - How the environment can be adapted to better meet the child’s needs. - How the child can be taught and encouraged to use new, more appropriate behaviour. - How the child can be rewarded when he or she makes progress. - How staff respond when the child’s behaviour is challenging (responsive strategies)
Restrictive Physical Intervention is recorded the Restrictive Physical Intervention Record Form (Early Years) which a copy can be found in the Nursery/ Pre-Schools information folder.
After any restrictive Physical Intervention all concerned must be given support, this includes the child, staff members and parents / carers and a record on the incident and any given concerns will be kept.
All complaints refer to Little Munchkins Nursery / Pre-School complaints policy.
This policy is monitored and reviewed by Little Munchkins Nursery / Pre-School SENCO’s …………………………… supported by Amanda Gregory along with support from Area SENCO Julie Williams.
Positive handling to aid children with guidance such as how to hold paint brush, Providing emotional support such as arm around a distressed child and physical care such as first aid or toileting. 
