Physical Contact Guidance for Playworkers

Physical Contact Guidance for Playworkers

Guidance for Playworkers

Maintain professional boundaries at all times with the children and young people on your site Avoid any contact that could be misinterpreted Seek advice on how to handle situations Be aware of how physical contact can be perceived.

Core Principles - Safeguarding First

Any physical contact must be *Necessary – to keep a child or other person safe *Proportionate – to the situation *In the child's best interest (Article 3 – UNCRC – the child must be the top priority in all decisions and actions that affect them ) * Lasts no longer than required Minimal force – use the least intrusive intervention possible to de-escalate or manage the situation * Never use physical force or restraint as a punishment/ discipline – or to intimidate or control a child

When Contact is Considered Professionally Appropriate

Stepping between children in conflict – (fight) - positioning yourself between two children to create a physical barrier – using your body to block without touching - Hold your hand out to signal space/ boundaries - Use verbal direction – calm tone to deescalate. Preventing Immediate Harm to themselves or others * Running into road etc – light restrictive contact only to remove the danger *Comforting a child *Side on hug – hand on shoulder – only if initiated and welcomed – child led

Not Appropriate

* Grab, pull, or yank a child by the arm, clothing, or any body part * Physically move a child out of frustration or impatience * Use holds that restrict breathing, movement, or could cause pain * Lift a child unless necessary for safety * Push, shove, or block a child aggressively *Drag a child or pull them along by the hand * Use physical force to enforce compliance (tidying up, listening, moving areas

De-escalation First

Verbal directions Calm tone Space and time to settle Physical intervention last resort

After Physical Intervention

• Record the incident
• Notify manager/supervisor
• Inform parents/carers using the direction from your manager
• Reflect on necessity and proportionality
• Complete any relevant paperwork

quiz

Appropriate Physical Contact

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