Courses
Behaviour Support, Understanding the law and Physical Intervention for schools
- This practical, evidence-informed training emphasises prevention first, safety always, and physical intervention only as a lawful last resort.
- It equips school staff with the skills, confidence, and legal understanding required to support challenging behaviour safely, proactively, and effectively — reducing disruption, risk, exclusions, and the need for restrictive practice.
Staff will gain an awareness of:
- The psychological impact of stress and confrontation on adults
- Why behaviour escalates and how to intervene early
- The unmet needs that often underpin challenging behaviour
- Trauma-informed and restorative approaches
- How to plan for predictable triggers and risk situations
- Strategies to maintain authority without confrontation
This section empowers staff to create calmer classrooms, stronger relationships, and safer learning environments.
Restrictive & Non-Restrictive Physical Intervention
Where there is an immediate risk of harm, staff must act lawfully, safely, and proportionately.
Training includes:
- The legal framework for reasonable force in schools
- Understanding “Last Resort” and proportionality
- Safe methods to separate students during fights
- Safe-holding techniques appropriate for school settings
- Breakaway skills to escape grabs and aggression
- Risk awareness and post-incident considerations
All techniques prioritise dignity, safety, and minimal force
Reporting & Recording Incidents
Accurate recording protects staff, students, and the organisation.
Participants will learn:
- What must be recorded and why
- How to produce legally robust incident reports
- Using records to identify patterns and improve practice
- Supporting safeguarding and accountability
- Communicating effectively with parents and leadership
Course Outcomes
By the end of the training, staff will:
- Feel confident in supporting challenging behaviour
- Understand their legal powers and responsibilities
- Be able to de-escalate most situations safely
- Know when and how to intervene physically if required
- Reduce reliance on exclusion and restrictive practice
- Improve safety, consistency, and staff wellbeing
Nicola Sproule, Company Director/ Lead Trainer & Consultant, Safe Schools Ltd
Nicola Sproule is an experienced behaviour specialist, educator, and trainer who has supported schools, healthcare providers, security teams, and care settings across the UK.
Originally a classroom teacher with a passion for inspiring young people, Nicola was encouraged into senior leadership after her exceptional ability to manage behaviour and raise standards was recognised. Rather than moving away from students, she chose to maximise her impact by training staff — equipping them with practical systems that work in real-world environments.
Her approach combines high expectations, restorative practice, and structured behaviour systems that empower staff while maintaining dignity and respect for learners.
Nicola has successfully implemented these methods across diverse sectors, achieving measurable improvements, including:
- Reduction of physical restraints from 77 to 7 within 12 months in one school
- Zero exclusions for over two years in another setting
- Significant reductions in assaults on staff in healthcare environments
- Major decreases in staffing requirements for high-risk wards
Her training focuses on building staff confidence, consistency, and competence — enabling professionals to support individuals safely while maintaining positive relationships.
Safe Schools Ltd provides specialist training, consultancy, and systems designed to improve safety, behaviour, and outcomes across education and care settings. Our programmes are practical, legally grounded, and tailored to the realities faced by frontline staff.
Hafley Court, OL12 9DJ
Buckley Road
Rochdale OL12 9DJ
United Kingdom