Behaviour management - Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire Steps
Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire Steps
Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire Steps is the local authority’s preferred approach to supporting positive behaviour management in schools and settings. The Therapeutic Thinking Steps approach forms part of the authority’s behaviour strategy. It has been agreed through the SEND Executive and forms part of Hertfordshire’s Local Offer.
What is Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire Steps?
Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire Steps is a therapeutic approach to positive behaviour management and is already well established in many of our education settings and services. The Therapeutic Thinking Steps approach is based on the following principles:
- shared focus on inclusion of all children and young people within their educational settings
- a shared set of values and beliefs
- open and shared communication
- a shared commitment to diversion and de-escalation
- shared risk management
- shared reparation, reflection and restoration
Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire Steps training covers two distinct developmental areas
‘Therapeutic Thinking’ (previously 'Step On') – Therapeutic Thinking (Step On) is training in de-escalation. It emphasises the importance of consistency and teaching internal, rather than imposing external, discipline. It focuses on care and control, not punishment. It uses techniques to de-escalate a situation before a crisis occurs and, where a crisis does occur, it adopts techniques to reduce the risk of harm.
Principles of Restrictive Physical Intervention (previously ‘Step Up') – this is training in Restrictive Physical Intervention (RPI). It combines elements of RPI and personal safety. Principles of RPI (Step Up) training can only be provided within services where staff have already completed Step On training and are still within their period of certification. Step Up training is only delivered where there is an audited need with an individual child or young person.
Training
Therapeutic Thinking tutor training – 3-day training
This training will enable you to become a Therapeutic Thinking Steps Tutor certificated to provide Therapeutic Thinking (Step On) training and consultancy within your own setting. This course is aimed at staff from all schools and services.
Specialist tutor training - additional 2-day training
This training will enable you to become a specialist Therapeutic Thinking Steps Tutor certificated to provide Therapeutic Thinking (Step On) & Principles of RPI (Step Up) training and consultancy within your own setting. This course is aimed at staff from special schools and specialist services.
Additional information
The Therapeutic Thinking Tutor courses are able to provide the Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire Steps product to staff who already have a therapeutic attitude to children, an ability to present and an aptitude to efficiently acquire the Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire skill set.
Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire Steps tutors are certified to be a resource for the setting in which they work and are not certified to provide training or consultancy on a voluntary or paid basis outside of their own school or setting.
Tutors may assist with training across a broader collection of services such as an academy chain, federation or cluster but training must be led by tutors from that setting.
Important points to note:
It is recommended that Therapeutic Thinking (Step On) training is delivered by two tutors. Tutors should consider safe ratios for Therapeutic Thinking (Step On) training. Training of groups larger than 36 people should be discussed with the County Lead.
All Principles of RPI (Step Up) training requires a minimum of two specialist tutors.
Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire Steps tutor resources
The hyperlink below is for a password-protected OneDrive shared area where tutors can access the resources for delivering training.
Hertfordshire Steps tutor resources
Training dates
Please contact steps at steps@hertfordshire.gov.uk to enquire about future training dates
Training dates and bookings
Please contact us at Steps@hertfordshire.gov.uk to enquire about future training dates and for booking enquiries.