PMVA Behaviour Support & Restrictive Interventions 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 & Restrictive Interventions training course. Designed for health, social care, education and specialist support services across the UK, this intensive three-day programme equips learners with the knowledge, practical skills and professional understanding required to safely support individuals who present more complex behavioural risks.

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 behaviour, preventing escalation and applying the least restrictive approach possible whilst maintaining safety.

Delivered using the Able Target System (ATS) model and aligned with Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) standards, this programme places prevention, positive behaviour support, communication and dignity at the centre of intervention decision-making.

The course follows a progressive structure. Learners first develop a thorough understanding of behaviour support, prevention, communication and de-escalation. Building upon this foundation, learners then develop practical personal safety, breakaway and physical intervention skills before progressing to more advanced restrictive intervention techniques where these have been identified as appropriate through organisational risk assessment and Training Needs Analysis.

Throughout the programme, a strong emphasis is placed on reducing restrictive practices, protecting human rights, maintaining dignity and ensuring any intervention remains lawful, reasonable, proportionate and necessary.

What this course offers

Delivered over three days, this highly practical programme provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of behaviour support and intervention strategies across a wide range of situations.

The course begins by exploring why behaviours occur, how individuals communicate through behaviour and how proactive planning, positive behaviour support, communication strategies and environmental adjustments can help prevent situations from escalating.

Learners then progress into the practical application of personal safety skills, de-escalation techniques, breakaway responses and physical intervention strategies designed to safely manage risk whilst maintaining a person-centred approach.

The final stage of the programme focuses on restrictive intervention strategies which may be required where there is a significant and immediate risk of harm to the individual, other people or staff members.

Extensive practical sessions allow learners to explore and practise techniques appropriate to their organisational needs, while understanding the legal, ethical and safety considerations that accompany their use.

The programme combines practical skills, discussion, reflection and scenario-based learning to ensure learners leave with both confidence and competence.

Why this training matters

Supporting individuals whose behaviours may challenge can be both rewarding and demanding. Whilst prevention and de-escalation remain the preferred approach, some service environments may occasionally require staff to intervene physically to prevent serious harm.

Where physical intervention becomes necessary, it is essential that staff understand not only how to perform techniques safely, but also when intervention is appropriate, how risks can be reduced and how restrictive practices can be minimised.

This course helps organisations create safer environments by ensuring staff can identify risks early, intervene proportionately and maintain dignity throughout the process.

By combining positive behaviour support, personal safety skills and advanced intervention techniques within an RRN-aligned framework, organisations can improve outcomes, strengthen staff confidence and support the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Training Needs Analysis (TNA)

Every organisation faces different challenges, and no two services will require exactly the same intervention strategies.

Prior to training delivery, organisations will complete a comprehensive Training Needs Analysis (TNA). This process allows us to identify:

• The needs of the individuals being supported

• Behavioural risks within the service

• Environmental considerations

• Existing organisational policies

• Previous incident trends

• Staffing structures and support arrangements

• Appropriate levels of intervention

The findings help ensure training remains relevant, proportionate and focused on the practical situations staff may encounter in their workplace.

As part of this process, we can tailor practical content to meet specific organisational requirements while remaining compliant with RRN principles and best practice guidance.

Restrictive Intervention & Advanced Physical Skills

Building upon behaviour support, de-escalation, breakaway and physical intervention principles, this course introduces advanced restrictive intervention strategies where these have been identified through the Training Needs Analysis process.

Practical elements may include:

• Escalation levels and intervention decision making

• Dynamic risk assessment

• Personal safety responses

• Restrictive and non-restrictive interventions

• Legal and ethical considerations

• Human rights and least restrictive practice principles

• Clinical holding considerations

• Single person restrictive interventions

• Team-based restrictive interventions

• Straight arm support techniques

• Bent arm support techniques

• Elbow support techniques

• Double arm wrap techniques

• Reverse double arm wrap techniques

• Half shield interventions

• Seated support techniques

• Leg support and stabilisation strategies

• Knee stabilisation techniques

• Floor level interventions

• Team communication and coordinated responses

• Post-incident review and learning

• Monitoring and risk management during interventions

Where relevant, organisations may also explore the use of approved specialist equipment and associated governance arrangements.

The exact techniques delivered will depend upon the outcomes of the Training Needs Analysis and the needs of the service.

Safe Intervention Practice

A key feature of this programme is understanding how restrictive interventions can be applied as safely as possible when all other reasonable options have been exhausted.

Learners will explore:

• Risks associated with restrictive interventions

• Physiological and psychological considerations

• Positional risk awareness

• Monitoring wellbeing during interventions

• Communication throughout interventions

• Maintaining dignity and respect

• Team roles and responsibilities

• Record keeping and governance

• Reducing duration and intensity of interventions

• Returning to least restrictive practice as quickly as possible

The objective is always to achieve safety while minimising restriction.

Course Benefits

• Develop an advanced understanding of behaviours that may challenge

• Strengthen positive behaviour support approaches

• Improve confidence in managing complex incidents

• Build advanced de-escalation skills

• Develop personal safety and breakaway competencies

• Learn physical intervention and restrictive practice strategies

• Understand legal, ethical and professional responsibilities

• Promote restraint reduction and least restrictive practice

• Reduce risk to staff and the individuals being supported

• Strengthen organisational safety and compliance

• Improve confidence when managing high-risk situations

Certification and Progression

On successful completion, learners will receive an RRN (Restraint Reduction Network) Accredited PMVA Certificate, delivered through the Able Target System (ATS) framework and issued by us as an approved provider.

Due to the nature of the techniques taught and the importance of maintaining competency, annual refresher training is required.

Regular refresher training helps ensure learners remain competent, confident and compliant with current legislation, best practice guidance, organisational policies and RRN requirements.

This programme can support progression into:

• PMVA Instructor Development

• Advanced Behaviour Support Pathways

• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Autism Specialist Support

• Learning Disability Services

• Restrictive Practice Reduction Programmes

• Trauma-Informed Services

• Service Leadership and Governance Roles

Other organisations may call this...

Depending on the provider or sector, similar training may be referred to as:

PMVA Training, Advanced PMVA Training, Restrictive Interventions Training, Physical Intervention Training, Managing Behaviours That May Challenge, Behaviour Support Training, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Training, Violence & Aggression Training, RRN Accredited PMVA Training, Challenging Behaviour Management Training, Personal Safety & Physical Intervention Training, Advanced Breakaway Training, Restrictive Practice Training, Behaviour Management & Restraint Training, ATS Restrictive Intervention Training

Whilst terminology may vary, the aim remains the same: understanding behaviour, reducing risk, promoting positive outcomes and applying the least restrictive intervention necessary to maintain safety.