An evaluation of the Team‐Teach behaviour support training programme in New Zealand

Abstract

Participants clearly expressed concerns related to the teaching of too many physical interventions that were not required and recommended that training in physical interventions should be in class teams and specific to actual need.There was a clear indication that research participants believed this training should receive official recognition at the highest level as an acknowledgement that physical intervention is sometimes necessary in schools and that there is a legitimate way to achieve this.iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Protecting the rights of pupils with autism when meeting the challenge of behaviour

“…Although proponents of positive handling argue that the predominant focus within the intervention is on avoidance of physical engagement, many of the trainees come to see the application of restrictive practices as synonymous with the approach (Griggs et al . ; Hayden & Pike ). Moreover, following the introduction of training in positive handling into schools, pupils can experience an increase in unwanted bodily contact and restrictions on their personal freedoms (Baker & Allen ; Deveau & McDonnell ).…”

“…Positive handling is a phrase employed in England to categorise physical interventions that can range from 'least intrusive to more restrictive holds' (Team-Teach 2010:1). Although proponents of positive handling argue that the predominant focus within the intervention is on avoidance of physical engagement, many of the trainees come to see the application of restrictive practices as synonymous with the approach (Griggs et al 2011;Hayden & Pike 2005). Moreover, following the introduction of training in positive handling into schools, pupils can experience an increase in unwanted bodily contact and This paper is dedicated to the memory of Connor Sparrowhawk, LB.…”

“…Many schools now respond to the challenge of behaviour through an embracement of approaches that include positive handling (Griggs et al . ; Hayden & Pike ). Positive handling is a phrase employed in England to categorise physical interventions that can range from ‘least intrusive to more restrictive holds’ (Team‐Teach :1).…”