Behaviour Support
It is our belief that through building trusting and secure relationships and assisting Children and Young People in developing communication and negotiating skills, incidents of challenging behaviour can be reduced. Mayfield House recognises that physical intervention is always the last resort. Should any child or young person require physical intervention, this will be recorded under the physical intervention report. All staff will be trained in PRICE and will receive regular refresher training.
Physical Intervention as a Last Resort
Physical intervention is viewed as a last resort in our approach. Any instance where a child or young person requires physical intervention will be documented in a physical intervention report. All our staff members are trained in PRICE (Prevention and Response to Incidents and Challenging Events) and receive regular refresher training to ensure their competence.
Physical intervention is considered only when:
- A child or young person is placing themselves at an unacceptebly high level of risk or danger of harm.
- Another person is at risk of being injured.
- They are causing significant damage to the property.
We are acutely aware of the psychological impact that restraint may have on a child or young person, taking into consideration their historical experiences. In cases where restraint is deemed necessary, our management team is notified immediately, and a thorough investigation is conducted. All individuals involved are offered a ‘debrief’ session and, if needed, a key-working session.
Monitoring & Documentation
Restrictive physical intervention are closely monitored by the Registered Manager, monthly Regulation 44 visits, and the responsible individual through monthly monitoring forms. All instances of restraint are meticulously recorded.
Individualised Support
Each young person’s behavior is assessed, and a risk assessment is created and maintained to address their specific needs and challenges. We use a ‘RAG’ system to identify signs of distress and implement distraction techniques to reduce anxiety through positive behavior support plans.
Training & Prevention
All staff members are trained in de-escalation and breaking away techniques, equipping them with the knowledge to prevent and minimise physical intervention. Quality training refreshers are provided annually.
Prohibited Practices
Mayfield House has robust child protection and behavior management policies and procedures in place. These resources are readily accessible to all staff members through training sessions, group discussions, and one-on-one supervision.
We adhere to the strict guidelines set by the Children Act 1989, Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, and Quality Standards 2015. We welcome collaboration with professional bodies working in partnership with Hamann Care and provide access to our child protection and behavior management policies upon request.
Robust Policies
We strictly prohibit the following methods as forms of discipline or punishment within our home:
- Withholding of food and/or drink.
- Removal of a young person’s clothing/footwear.
- Locking children and young people in their bedrooms or any other part of the house.
- Physical chastisement, such as hitting or smacking.
- Deprivation of sleep
- Refusal or cancellation of family contact sessions.
