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Tees Valley Education's Positive Handling Policy aims to establish a secure environment for pupils to grow and learn, encouraging positive behavior choices and enabling staff to keep themselves and others safe. The policy acknowledges that managing aggressive behaviors through control and restraint may be necessary in certain circumstances. It ensures that actions such as positive handling and reasonable force are used correctly and safely, in accordance with relevant legislation and national guidance. The policy operates in conjunction with the Child Protection, SEND, and Behaviour policies, and outlines roles and responsibilities for the Trust Board, Headteacher, SENCO, and DSL. Positive handling is defined as the positive application of force to protect pupils and staff, and is used in emergency situations as a last resort. Reasonable force is used to control or restrain pupils to keep themselves, others, and property safe, and its use is reported and recorded. The policy emphasizes the importance of verbal de-escalation techniques, calm and measured approaches, and proportionate actions.