We do not use physical punishments or the threat of them. We will only use physical intervention when it is necessary to prevent an immediate risk of injury to the child, others or serious damage to property. Physical intervention will be an act of care and never punishment.

Before reaching the stage where physical intervention is required, we will have attempted other forms of intervention.

In the event of it being necessary to use physical intervention:

• A dialogue will be maintained at all times. With us explaining:
• What we are going to do.
• What we are doing.
• Why are we doing it.
• Only a minimal force, appropriate to the age, size and strength of the child, will be used, eg; Holding the child's hand or leading them away from the situation by placing an arm around their shoulders.
• As soon as the situation is under control the intervention will be gradually relaxed.
• If we have had to use physical intervention, we will:
• Record the incident.
• Discuss it with you.
• Require you to sign the incident record.
• Store the documentation in the child's childcare record.

Policy reviewed September 2010

Next review due July 2011