Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire
Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire
Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire is the local authority’s preferred approach to supporting positive behaviour management in schools and settings. The Therapeutic Thinking 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?
Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire is a therapeutic approach to positive behaviour management and is already well established in many of our education settings and services. The Therapeutic Thinking 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 training covers two distinct developmental areas
‘Therapeutic Thinking’ (previously 'Step On') – Therapeutic Thinking 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, consequences not punishment and rewards rather than bribes. The course will give people the initial knowledge to introduce Therapeutic Thinking into policy, planning, training and practice. We will explore the challenges faced by children in terms of mental health and wellbeing needs, as well as the impact of attachment, ACEs and trauma. It will explore how we can improve policy supported by a graduated planning response based on consistent analysis tools.
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 training can only be provided within services where staff have already completed the initial Therapeutic Thinking Tutor training and are still within their period of certification. Principles of Restrictive Physical Intervention 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 Tutor certificated to provide Therapeutic Thinking 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 Tutor certificated to provide Therapeutic Thinking & Principles of RPI 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 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 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 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 training requires a minimum of two specialist tutors.
Therapeutic Thinking Hertfordshire tutor resources
Access to the Therapeutic Thinking Tutor Resource area is provided after the completion of training. Tutors can gain access by emailing to County Lead for Therapeutic Thinking or TherapeuticThinking@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Training dates
Please contact Therapeutic Thinking at TherapeuticThinking@hertfordshire.gov.uk to enquire about future training dates and for booking enquiries.