In brief
+ProActive Approaches delivers BILD Act certified physical intervention and positive handling training for mainstream schools, academies, special schools, SEMH settings, PRUs and multi-academy trusts. Every course starts with a Training Needs Analysis, covers de-escalation before any physical skills, and teaches safe holding using the +ProActive Building Blocks© framework.
- Certification: BILD Act certified against the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) Training Standards, with delegate certificates included at no extra cost
- Formats: Foundation (6 or 12 hours), School Wide PBIS (2 to 4 days), fully bespoke, or a 5-day Train the Trainer course for in-house delivery
- Group size: up to 12 delegates with one trainer, or up to 18 with two
- Delivery: at your school, with Train the Trainer also available at open course venues across the UK
- After the course: Online Academy access, free CPD webinars and a Behaviour Support Policy Self-Audit Tool
The best physical intervention training makes itself unnecessary
Most schools search for physical intervention training after a difficult incident, when staff feel unsafe or unsure what they are allowed to do. That is the right time to act. But a course that only teaches holds leaves the hardest part untouched: the minutes before an incident, when calm, well-timed support can stop it from happening at all.
That is why we start with behaviour. Staff learn why a pupil in distress shouts, runs or lashes out, how to spot the early signs, and how to respond in a way that brings the temperature down. Physical skills are taught too, safely and lawfully, as a last resort. We call our approach #AimingForZero: the aim is to need them as rarely as possible.
You might know this as positive handling, restraint training or team teach training. Whatever you call it, the same rule applies: staff need to know when force is reasonable, how to use it safely, and how to avoid needing it. Read more about our de-escalation training and restraint reduction.
What the April 2026 DfE guidance expects
The guidance Restrictive interventions, including the use of reasonable force, in schools took effect on 1 April 2026 and replaces the 2013 guidance. In summary, it sets out that:
- Staff who are likely to need to use reasonable force should be adequately trained in its safe and lawful use, and in preventative strategies.
- School leaders choose the training, but it should reflect the principles of the guidance.
- Schools must record every significant incident where force is used and report it to parents as soon as practicable, ideally the same day.
- Where there is an identified risk, schools must have risk assessments in place and reduce the risk through training and prevention.
Our courses cover each of these points, including how to record an incident and how to lead a debrief afterwards.
Source: DfE guidance (PDF). Some councils also recommend a BILD-accredited provider before staff use restraint, for example East Sussex County Council.
What the training covers
The law and the April 2026 guidance
When force is reasonable, the recording and reporting duties, and how your school's policy fits around them.
Understanding behaviour
ACEs, attachment, sensory needs and what a pupil's behaviour is communicating.
De-escalation
Early warning signs, calming language, positioning and giving pupils a way out.
Safe physical skills
Guiding, escorting and holding using the +ProActive Building Blocks© framework, with risks such as positional asphyxia explained.
Pupils with SEND
Adapting your response to communication, sensory and medical needs.
After an incident
Recording, informing parents, debriefs and repairing relationships.
Planning for pupils with higher needs? Read our guide to risk assessment for physical intervention with SEND pupils.
Course options
Foundation
6 or 12 hoursWhole-staff grounding in behaviour, de-escalation and safe physical skills.
School Wide PBIS
2 to 4 daysDeeper work for settings with frequent or high-risk incidents.
Fully bespoke
Built around youDesigned from your Training Needs Analysis.
Train the Trainer
5 daysCertify your own staff to train colleagues in-house.
Certified or non-certified training?
Schools can choose any provider, but BILD Act certification means the training has been independently checked against the RRN Training Standards. Questions to ask any provider:
- Is the course certified against the RRN Training Standards?
- How much of the course is prevention and de-escalation, and how much is physical skills?
- Are physical techniques risk-assessed, and adapted for pupils with SEND?
- Does the course cover recording, reporting to parents and debriefs?
- Are certificates and refreshers included, or charged per head?
Find out more about BILD Act certification and whether restraint training is legally required in UK schools.
What schools say
“Back in December 2021 the Spires were witnessing a significant increase in incidents and physical interventions within the school.”
“I think it is something that needs to be delivered in the mainstream schools too.”
“Well presented. Easy to follow and understand.”
“The course was excellent very well presented.”
Frequently asked questions
Further reading: how often school staff should refresh their skills and what de-escalation training for schools costs.