PMVA Behaviour Support & Breakaway Training

Using the Able Target System (ATS) Model

Gain the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to understand, prevent and safely respond to behaviours that may challenge with this PMVA Behaviour Support & Breakaway Training course. Designed for health, social care, education and support services across the UK, this programme equips learners with the skills to reduce risk, improve outcomes for individuals, and create safer environments for everyone involved.

Ideal for organisations supporting autistic individuals, people with learning disabilities, individuals living with dementia, people experiencing mental health difficulties, and those with complex support needs, this course focuses on understanding why behaviours occur, recognising early warning signs, and implementing proactive strategies to prevent situations from escalating.

Delivered using the Able Target System (ATS) model and aligned with Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and Institute of Conflict Management (ICM) recognised standards, this highly practical and person-centred course places prevention at the heart of effective behaviour support. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of behaviour, communication, trauma, environment and individual experiences, whilst also developing personal safety awareness and selected breakaway skills where appropriate.

The training recognises that behaviours often make more sense when viewed in context. Rather than focusing solely on incident management, the course helps learners understand the reasons behind behaviour and develop the confidence to create positive outcomes through communication, empathy and proactive support.

What this course offers

Delivered over one day, this engaging and practical training course provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed to understand behaviours that may challenge and respond effectively in a safe, respectful and person-centred manner.

The course explores the factors that influence behaviour, helping learners understand why individuals may become distressed, anxious, frustrated or overwhelmed, and how preventative approaches can significantly reduce incidents of violence and aggression.

Participants will develop practical skills in recognising behavioural cues, understanding escalation patterns, implementing proactive support strategies and using effective de-escalation techniques. The programme is built around understanding the person behind the behaviour, promoting positive outcomes through communication, empathy and proactive planning.

Learners will explore the ATS hierarchy of prevention, proactive management and response, alongside practical models and frameworks that support safer decision-making and improved outcomes. The programme also introduces personal safety principles, dynamic risk assessment and selected breakaway strategies where these are relevant to the environment and role of the learner.

Through realistic scenarios, group discussion and practical activities, learners leave with the confidence and skills to support individuals more effectively whilst helping to reduce risk and promote positive behavioural outcomes.

Why this training matters

Behaviour is communication. Many behaviours that may challenge arise because individuals are attempting to communicate unmet needs, express distress, manage anxiety, cope with trauma, process sensory information or respond to situations in ways that may not always be immediately understood by others.

Without appropriate understanding and support, behaviours can escalate, impacting the wellbeing of the individual, staff, carers and those around them. Taking a preventative and proactive approach helps organisations identify risks earlier, strengthen relationships, improve quality of life and reduce the likelihood of incidents developing into crisis situations.

By focusing on understanding, communication and person-centred support, this course helps organisations create safer environments whilst promoting dignity, respect and positive behavioural outcomes.

Understanding Behaviour & Prevention

A key focus of this programme is developing a deeper understanding of why behaviours occur and how support strategies can be used to prevent escalation.

Learners will explore:

• Understanding behaviours that may challenge

• Workplace violence and aggression awareness

• The hierarchy of prevention, proactive management and response

• The Six C's framework

• Trust, communication, culture and language

• Person-centred approaches to support

• Positive Behaviour Support principles

• Understanding behaviour through communication, needs and context

• The Six Stage Target Model

• Understanding motivation, trauma and life experiences

• Human motivation and behavioural drivers

• Understanding neurodevelopmental differences

• Proactive planning and support strategies

• Building adaptive skills and positive outcomes

• Reducing stressors and improving support environments

The programme helps learners move beyond simply reacting to behaviour and instead focus on creating the conditions where individuals are more likely to succeed.

Communication, De-escalation & Personal Safety

Effective support relies on communication, emotional awareness and the ability to respond proportionately to changing situations.

Learners will explore:

• Recognising escalation and early warning signs

• Dynamic risk assessment

• DAPPER principles

• HEART and HELP communication frameworks

• De-escalation techniques and approaches

• Maintaining professional curiosity and empathy

• Understanding consequences and ethical responses

• Recording, reporting and learning from incidents

• Personal safety awareness

• Safe positioning and situational awareness

• Active palms and keeping-safe stances

• Creating space and reducing risk

• Selected breakaway and disengagement strategies

• Knowing when withdrawal is the safest option

The emphasis remains on prevention and de-escalation first, with physical responses only considered where necessary and appropriate.

Course Benefits

• Develop a greater understanding of behaviours that may challenge

• Learn how to prevent incidents before they escalate

• Gain practical de-escalation and conflict reduction skills

• Improve communication and relationship-building techniques

• Understand Positive Behaviour Support principles

• Build confidence when supporting individuals experiencing distress

• Learn practical personal safety and breakaway skills

• Increase awareness of dynamic risk assessment and safer decision-making

• Reduce the risk of workplace violence and aggression

• Promote dignity, wellbeing and positive outcomes

• Improve safety and confidence across your organisation

Certification and Progression

On successful completion, learners will receive a PMVA Behaviour Support & Breakaway Training Certificate.

Training is delivered using the Able Target System (ATS) framework and aligned to the principles of the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and Institute of Conflict Management (ICM) standards.

Annual refresher training is strongly recommended to maintain competence, confidence and best practice, particularly for those working in environments where behaviours that may challenge are encountered regularly.

This course provides progression opportunities into:

• PMVA Behaviour Support & Physical Interventions Training

• PMVA Behaviour Support & Restrictive Interventions Training

• PMVA Behaviour Support & Advanced Restrictive Interventions Training

• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Autism Awareness Training

• Learning Disability Awareness

• Trauma-Informed Practice

• Restrictive Practice Reduction

• Advanced Behaviour Support Programmes

Other organisations may call this...

Depending on the provider, sector or service type, similar training may be referred to by different names.

You may have come across terms such as:

• PMVA Training

• Violence and Aggression Training

• Behaviour Support Training

• Positive Behaviour Support Training

• Managing Behaviours That May Challenge

• De-escalation Training

• Conflict Management Training

• Breakaway Training

• Personal Safety Training

• Learning Disability Behaviour Support Training

• Autism Behaviour Support Training

• SEND Behaviour Support Training

• Restrictive Practice Reduction Training

• Care Staff De-escalation Training

• Physical Intervention Awareness Training

• Behaviour Management Training

While terminology may differ, the core aim remains the same: understanding behaviour, reducing risk, promoting positive outcomes and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.