Understanding Positive Touch

In this episode, Clare talks to Principal Team Teach trainer, Kat Booker, about positive touch.

They discuss what is meant by positive touch and consent, and the associated implications for safeguarding, behaviour support, and wellbeing. They also talk about the importance of creating robust policies, so that everyone clearly understands the parameters around positive touch, to ensure that we always recognise individuals’ preferences.

Kat is a former primary school teacher, predominantly working in SEMH settings. She also worked extensively inmainstream schools, where she spent time as a SENDCO and setting up nurture groups under Nurture UK.

Kat now works as a consultant and IQM assessor, is a Relax Kids coach, and delivers behaviour support training as a Principal Team Teach trainer.

Kat shares three top tips in the episode:

• Talk to families and children about positive touch and physical contact before talking to staff.
• Make sure you take account of different perspectives during the policy creation process.
• Prioritise ongoing staff training around positive touch and physical contact.

The Team Teach podcast shares the latest thinking in behaviour, all in handy 15-minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use in your setting.

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The Team Teach podcast is created in the UK, adhering to UK law and guidance. Practitioners should exercise their professional judgment to determine the appropriateness of any Team Teach material for their specific sector and geographic region and be aware of the applicable laws and guidelines governing their organisation.