Quick recap

The meeting focused on discussing physical intervention and restraint policies in care settings, with Catherine and A member leading the discussion about recent inspection findings and the need for updated guidance. The group explored various approaches to managing “challenging behaviours” in children, including the importance of understanding children's communication through behaviour and the need for proper training and monitoring of physical interventions. The discussion concluded with considerations about the complexities of fostering complex children and the importance of maintaining appropriate physical interactions while ensuring safety and compliance with policies.

Catherine asked members to consider the use of words like “challenging behaviour” and asked that we reframe - behaviour is only challenging if it is challenging to us - so some behaviours of children may be challenging to understand, and manage by one carer and not another, so it is better to name the behaviour.

Next steps

  • Catherine to develop practice guidance around physical intervention and restraint in foster care. - This will be a focus early 2026
  • An agency to continue implementing the action plan in response to the Ofsted requirement, including staff discussions, clear monitoring systems, and reporting through the RM to RI.

Summary

Physical Intervention Policy Updates

The meeting focused on the topic of physical intervention and restraint policies in care settings. Catherine highlighted the need for updated guidance on physical intervention, discussing the differences between restraint and intervention, and therisks involved. She emphasised the importance of considering next steps after de-escalation and the potential consequences of not having a clear policy. The group also touched on the challenges faced during inspections and the need for proper documentation of incidents.

Ofsted Inspection and Restraint Policy

A member discussed a recent Ofsted inspection that revealed concerns about physical intervention and restraint in a foster care setting. The inspection led to a requirement for the organisation to implement a system for recognising and monitoring physical restraint, as well as reviewing their behaviour management policies and training. This experience prompted the member to reevaluate their approach to managing challenging situations and promoting positive behaviour in children and young people.

Children's Behaviour Management Principles

A member discussed the importance of understanding children's challenging behaviours as a form of communication and emphasised the need to promote children's rights, including minimising physical interventions. They outlined principles for managing such situations, such as building trust, understanding triggers, and ensuring that any physical intervention is necessary, proportionate, and used for the shortest time possible. In response to a recent inspection, the team began monitoring incidents of restraint or physical intervention more closely, ensuring the registered manager is informed and can evaluate the situation. Training on de-escalation and intervention was conducted, but it was noted a gap in understanding how these practices apply in foster homes compared to residential settings.

Foster Care Physical Intervention Training

The meeting focused on the use of physical interventions in foster care, with the sharing of their experience of a recent inspection and the challenges faced by foster carers. Other members discussed their agency's approach to training foster carers in physical intervention techniques, particularly for children transitioning from residential care. They emphasised the importance of providing carers with the necessary tools and support to manage challenging behaviours, while also being transparent about their policies with local authorities and Ofsted. The discussion highlighted the complexities of fostering complex children and the need for a balanced approach to physical intervention.

Proactive Strategies for Child Behaviour Management

Catherine discussed the need for more proactive and preventative approaches in understanding triggers and monitoring and managing children's behaviours, emphasising the importance of discussing safety plans and consequences with children. She questioned whether the current approach of waiting for a crisis before intervention is effective and suggested involving children in their own safety planning. A member shared a case example of a 6-year-old girl with physical aggression issues, highlighting the challenges faced by carers and the limitations of de-escalation training alone. The discussion touched on the role of physical intervention training and the need for a balanced approach that includes both de-escalation and physical management techniques.

Clarifying Carer Safety Interventions

Discussion on the challenges faced by carers in managing situations where they need to intervene for safety, such as preventing a child from running into the road or climbing out of a window. Discussion highlighted the confusion and lack of clarity around what constitutes a restraint, emphasising the need for better guidance and reporting practices. Catherine agreed, noting the importance of distinguishing between interventions that are necessary for safety and those that could be misinterpreted as abuse. Both emphasised the need for clear policies and training to support carers in making these difficult decisions while ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in their care.

Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviours

The group discussed the complexities of managing challenging behaviours in young people, particularly the need to understand and respond to their fear and anxiety. Catherine highlighted the multiple layers involved in such situations, including the need to balance the child's needs with the carer's safety and policy compliance. The discussion also touched on the differences in managing behaviours between younger and older children, with concerns raised about physical restraint and the importance of appropriate physical touch for children in care. It was suggested that providing appropriate physical touch could potentially reduce the need for restraint, while a member acknowledged the complexity of the issue but found the discussion valuable.

Fostering Policy and Placement Safety

Discussion regarding the importance of context when considering the no-restraint policy, which was implemented to address past issues of children being restrained. It was emphasised that agencies should be cautious about declaring children “fostering-ready” if they previously were deemed not suitable for fostering. A member highlighted the distinction between fostering and residential care, noting that fostering involves a family setting, not a children's unit, suggestions that localauthorities should carefully assess the suitability of foster families and the work done with children transitioning from residential to fostering placements.

Foster Care Physical Interactions Discussion

The meeting focused on discussing physical interactions between foster carers and children, highlighting the need for careful consideration to avoid undoing historical progress. Catherine emphasised the importance of providing appropriate support and understanding when dealing with unpredictable situations, while suggesting using individual safer care strategies to address physical interactions. A member shared insights from training experiences, noting that communication and de-escalation skills are crucial, and the group discussed the need for ongoing monitoring and decision-making that prioritises children's well-being. The session concluded with plans to address adoption and children's transitions in the next meeting.