Participant courses involve one of our highly experienced PRICE trainers delivering the course directly to those in your organisation who need the skills.

The Instructor courses enable you to send a member of your staff to train to become a qualified in-house Instructor. Once qualified they can deliver training within your organisation to those who need it.

The in-house Instructor route is generally the more cost-effective route, particularly for medium to large size organisations. The participant route is generally preferred by smaller organisations. The added benefit of having an in–house instructor is that they have on-going access to support from principal instructors. In-house Instructors also have access to a content-rich instructor portal where they may refresh their knowledge of theory and practical elements of PRICE Training.

Ultimately the decision will be determined by the individual circumstances of each organisation. Please contact us so that we can help you make the best choice for your organisation.

Prior to any training being delivered, we will endeavour to understand the specific needs of your staff and the people supported by your organisation through a detailed training needs analysis and behavioural audit.

This will result in a proposal for a programme of training best suited to meeting those needs.

For courses which include restrictive physical interventions and/or breakaway techniques the maximum number of participants which one instructor may teach is 15 (as indicated by The BILD Code of Practice 2014). From our experience 12 is the optimum number and we encourage organisations to adhere to this.

Where numbers go above 15 a second trainer will need to be commissioned.

Where numbers go above 30 BILD require written notification with a rationale for this.

For courses which do not include restrictive physical interventions or breakaways, i.e. theory only, the maximum ratio is one instructor to a maximum of 20 participants.

PRICE Training is accredited by the British Institute of Learning Disabilities scheme (BILD) under the Physical Intervention Accreditation Scheme framework and fully endorses and promotes the Code of Practice for the use of Physical Interventions.

The accreditation framework gives commissioners, organisations, participants, service users and their families the confidence that the training provider works to the highest possible standards currently available in relation to both values and best practice associated with physical intervention.

On an operational level all our 'pre', 'during' and 'post' course activities are geared around compliance to the Code of Practice. A few examples of how the code shapes our training are as follows:

• A primary focus on dignity, respect and a human rights-based approach to supporting vulnerable children, young people and adults in everything we do
• Safeguarding is at the forefront of all our training
• A PBS approach with an emphasis on reducing restrictive practices underpins all our training programmes
• Production of a Behavioural Audit and training needs analysis to determine organisational training needs
• Participant preparation prior to course attendance
• Health & Safety considerations
• Legal framework and ‘best interest criteria’ course content
• Participant assessment and course evaluation
• Letters/agreements of engagement and provision of suitable course material

By being part of the BILD Accreditation Scheme, PRICE Training has made a commitment to raising standards, but this alone is not enough. In order to fully implement both the spirit of the Code of Practice and its subsequent guidance.

It is often assumed that the Code of Practice (2014) is primarily for providers of physical intervention training to adhere to, when in fact it is about bringing the commissioning service and training provider closer together to ensure there is a shared responsibility in creating the right culture and value base.

PRICE Training certificates will be issued for participants who successfully pass their course. The level will be identified on the certificate.

We operate one year validity for courses which include restrictive physical interventions or breakaways.

Courses which do not include physical elements i.e. theory-only certificates are valid for two years.

Our PRICE Training Instructors assess course participants in a number of areas, notably their attitude and values in relation to appropriately managing violence and aggression as well as their retention of knowledge and skills associated with the particular training programme.

Should a PRICE Instructor have concerns about any aspect of a participant’s performance, they will raise it with the individual concerned and also formally raise it with the appropriate commissioning authority representative. Some key areas that we would expect staff members to demonstrate would include:

• A person/child-centred approach
• Empathy and understanding
• A desire to work in partnership with the individuals they offer care/support to
• To promote social inclusion
• A desire to promote empowerment and independence
• Non-judgmental or discriminative

PRICE Training courses are very much certificated on competence and not attendance.

PRICE Training believes that the learning outcomes for course participants is significantly enhanced when the programme is brought to life by instructors who have real hands-on experience of working with children, young people or adults who present challenging behaviour.

All PRICE Training Instructors are from a professional background including social work, teaching, or nursing.

The teaching methodology of PRICE is rooted in adult learning principles and is geared towards creating a positive, engaging, challenging and interactive learning environment. Our experience has demonstrated that adult learners do not engage well with a passive learning experience. Our training reflects three key principles:

1. Adult learners have and bring a wealth of experience, which it is important to acknowledge and value.
2. In acknowledging and building upon previous experiences, the learning environment needs to facilitate their full participation.
3. The curriculum is specific and directly relevant to daily practice.

The training delivery encourages participants to take responsibility for their own learning and utilises a diverse range of teaching activities. These include experiential learning exercises, practice-based simulations, opportunities for group discussion, audio and visual presentations, scenario work and sector-specific case examples.

Throughout, participants are encouraged to share, reflect and develop their practice in an environment which also lends itself to fun learning.

Instructors recognise that varying the stimuli in a training environment reduces the likelihood of the participant tiring or disengaging particular senses.

Sound values are the cornerstone of any social care, health and education workforce therefore, before we impart any skills, strategies or techniques to participants, our instructors need to satisfy themselves that both an ethical and person-centred platform is in place. 

In developing a value base that underpins all levels of practice, the following key themes and principles are explored:

• At the core of our work with children/young people/adults is the quality of the relationship we can build. An investment in this process is central to the success of all levels of interaction including when a person is in crisis. The energy, commitment and patience of practitioners, plays an important role in assisting people to begin to understand their behaviour, find alternative coping strategies and reach their full potential.
• The key skills involved include mutual respect, engagement, honesty and an approach that does not judge. In assisting service users (children or adults) to make positive changes there is a collective role in problem solving and developing new coping mechanisms.
• Identifying and understanding behaviour particularly for children, young people or adults who have experienced chaotic and traumatic life experiences is important. A framework in which people are supported to understand how their feelings affect their behaviour, how their behaviour can impact on other people and the consequences whilst being offered the opportunity to create a positive resolution is central to their needs.

The objectives of a team working with people, who present challenging behaviour, are to:

• Identify unacceptable behaviours within a risk framework
• Support them to take responsibility for the behaviour (where possible)
• Help the individual to link their feelings to their behaviour and understand the consequences of their actions
• Work towards resolving the conflict in a positive way
• Improve feelings of trust, safety and security

Our training focuses on the understanding of behaviour and recognises the key role this plays in supporting service users effectively. We use a number of theoretical perspectives which link well with restorative approaches and in particular retain an expertise in attachment.

De-escalation and de-fusion interventions taught encompass the above principles and recognise the interactive role of the service user and supporting staff. Approaches that favour naturally occurring consequences are utilised that enhance relationships rather than relying on punitive responses.

It is often the case that crisis is largely left unresolved which both negates any learning from the experience and damages the continuation of relationships. Repair and reflection is a key skill of supporting staff and central to the growth of young people. Debriefing approaches (life space interview) are explored in addition to mediation and conferencing. The training has developed a range of practice based skills in this area.

By the very nature of training staff in behaviour support and physical intervention, there is an acute need for sound health and safety policy and practice. The issue of health and safety is not only confined to the training course but also extends to the participants own working environment.

As part of adhering to the BILD Code of Practice and generally recognised ‘best practice’, health and safety is a key aspect of all PRICE Training courses both prior, during and after course delivery.

PRICE Training Instructors undertake a venue Risk Assessment prior to the course date by means of a site visit or upon arriving on the day of training. Our instructors have a Room Risk Assessment and Room Specification that covers a range of issues to ensure the health and safety of participants during training.

The broader theme of health and safety is integrated throughout the course programme to ensure participants gain a sound understanding of how to assess any situations they might find themselves in with service users that could compromise their health and safety. The underlying values and principles of all PRICE Training programmes are enshrined within health and safety in order to protect and promote the welfare of both service user and practitioner.

A combination of thorough pre-course health screening assists not only the instructor for the purposes of training in relation to delegate participation, but also provides opportunity for the commissioning authority in terms of picking up health matters of employees that may not have previously been identified. This information can assist the commissioning authority to review the individual’s current role and duties.

PRICE Training also ensures that sound general health and safety policy is integrated into the programme alongside a series of course activities such as presentations, group discussions and interactive exercises that include key health and safety messages. Central importance is placed on developing a working knowledge and awareness of a Duty of Care at both the employer’s and employee’s level intrinsic to the maintenance of rights and responsibilities.

Our courses promote equality for all service users alongside the need to embrace diversity and recognising that difference can offer enrichment opportunities for both course participants and service users.

Our team of trainers are experienced and skilled enough to respond to participant learners that may have beliefs (or even prejudicial starting points) that can create barriers for service users that may affect or limit the service they receive.

Our team of instructors all receive Moving and Handling Training as part of their continuous personal development, as well as two members of the team being qualified to deliver training in this area.

Our techniques have regard for the principles of good back care (as defined by HSE). Notable points such as keeping loads/forces close to the waist, adopting a stable stance position and at the start of a ‘lifting-effect’ manoeuvre ensure a flexing of the hips and knees rather than the back. We also stress to course participants that where possible they should avoid twisting the trunk or leaning sideways and keep their head up at all times where possible.

Prior to the commencement of a course each participant is required to complete  a health questionnaire highlighting any areas of concern they may have about their own health or any prior conditions which may affect their suitability to participate. The instructor can then make an informed judgement about whether an individual should partly or fully participate in the course. Ultimately, instructors will not compel an individual to participate against their will.

Prior to any session which involves practicing physical techniques, participants are guided through a thorough warm up session. This will include stretching exercises tailored to the specific physiological demands of the technique about to be taught and practiced. Warm ups are repeated when necessary throughout the training day with a particular emphasis on back care, for example after breaks and lunch. A very cautious approach is promoted throughout this preparatory process.

Any injuries are recorded on an accident report.

All PRICE Training techniques have been risk assessed through the principles of biomechanics by a qualified physiotherapist, firstly in regard to course participants and also in regard to the possible impacts on service users. This information is shared with participants during the course.

Our existing ratios are 1 Instructor to 12 participants or 2 Instructors to 16 participants where the course involves the training of physical techniques.

Where the course does not include the training of physical techniques the numbers can be increased to 2:20, however we are mindful of the how group size affects the learning outcomes for participants. Our ratios fall well within the BILD Code of Practice guidance.

We are proud of our high degree of reliability, punctuality and flexibility. However, experience shows that training events can encounter a whole host of practical and logistical difficulties. From sickness of participants (and on rare occasions instructors), the weather affecting travel, to unforeseen complications with venues.

At PRICE Training, we endeavour to provide the commissioning organisation with a reliable and flexible service. Given that we have many employed/contracted instructors/trainers at our disposal, we can react quickly and seamlessly to any event of unplanned short notice absence of an instructor.

Where this infrequent event may occur, we are able to re-assign the course to another available instructor with minimal impact on the participant group and to little or no effect on the standard of delivery of the course. Where in the very unlikely event that an instructor has to depart during the course, again if appropriate and sensible to do so, we would draft in a cover instructor to finish the day.

We are also acutely aware of the real cost of training to a commissioning body, notably the time that participants take away from their regular duties, therefore we endeavour to ensure that we do not cancel and let you down.

PRICE Training has its own purpose built training facilities situated in Leominster, Herefordshire, as well as delivering training at number of appropriately equipped facilities across the UK. Also, where commissioning organisations have appropriate facilities of their own, PRICE Training is happy to deliver training there.

However, as part of adhering to the BILD Code of Practice in relation to Health and Safety, PRICE Training Instructors will need to ensure that the organisation has undertaken a Venue Risk Assessment (a template is available) prior to the course date. This will be checked by the Instructor on the day of training. The venue specification standards expected are as follows:

• Room size (10m x 10m) for 12 persons
• Checking of floor surfaces (without deviations, split levels or slippery coverings etc)
• Matting (if applicable) quality, condition and number of
• Structural obstacles (posts, pillars, radiators etc)
• Decorative obstacles (pictures, shelves, lights, surface finish etc)
• Privacy/acoustic distractions (not sharing a room with other activities, disturbing noise etc)
• Adequate seating and tables (if applicable)
• Adequate lighting and heating/air conditioning
• Adequate fire exits and routes
• Adequate toilet and comfort break facilities
• Lunch facilities (if applicable)
• Training support aids (if applicable)

Where a venue does not meet these basic requirements, training will not be able to proceed.

The instructor will ‘sign off’ the Risk Assessment at the venue and immediately report any concerns that may prevent the course from taking place. The instructor will also continue to monitor the safety of the environment during the course and report any developing concerns to the commissioning organisation.

Instructors will either use their own electrical equipment (projectors & laptops) supplied by PRICE Training (conforming to PAT Testing standards) or require the commissioning organisation to confirm the equipment provided has been tested, alongside making their own visual checks of the equipment.

PRICE Training can provide the customer with guidance (or more formally in a consultancy capacity) on methods relating to measuring the effectiveness of our training on the outcomes for both service users and staff.

The following are some of the methods and indicators that can assist the monitoring process:

• Reduction in the number and level of incidents
• Reduction in the number of associated injuries/accidents
• Reduction in the number of associated complaints
• Service user feedback (satisfaction surveys)
• Frontline worker feedback
• Family/friends feedback
• Regulator findings (Inspection)
• Longitudinal performance measuring
• Number of participants having attended training
• Course feedback (questionnaires)
• Individual course assessments (pass rates)
• Volume of additional support/consultation outside of training
• Unannounced Quality Assurance visits (inspection of training delivery)

It is our intention that staff, customers and members of the public have an easily accessible route to report any matter that they believe has, or may have caused dissatisfaction, offence or harm by any individual of, or action by PRICE Training.

The company will treat all complaints seriously and will investigate them promptly, efficiently and in confidence. The main aim of our policy is to provide a framework for resolving complaints quickly and effectively.