Reasonable force ?

Posted by Paul Dix on 12 June 2011 | 2 Comments

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The restraint techniques that are demonstrated and practised by adults in training sessions look entirely sensible, proportionate and safe. Tick 'fully restraint trained' box. The problem is that we are not being asked to restrain adults (unless you count the scrum for coffee in the staffroom at break). Restraining children means that there's a huge disparity in size, strength, weight and height. Techniques that worked in rehearsal play out very differently in practice. Feet leave the floor, children struggle and get into awkward positions, the noise level increases and crowds can gather. Restraining children of primary school age is a gamble with their safety and your career. But before you roll the dice there are opportunities to mitigate your risk.

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