Tutor training

Tutors & Physical Training

Protecting standards, safety and the NEST ethos

Limits and safeguards around physical elements

●         Restrictive interventions must never be used as punishment.

●         Pain-inducing techniques are prohibited within NEST training.

●         Any action must be defensible as reasonable, necessary and proportionate.

●         Level 1, Level 2 and additional physical interventions are taught only to staff with an identified role-based need.

●         Level 1 is available within ELC, ILC and TLC; Level 2 and bolt-on physical interventions are available within ILC and TLC, subject to the relevant requirements.

●         Participants may be excluded where medical limitations create safety concerns, safeguarding concerns are identified, organisational systems are not compliant, or professional conduct requirements have not been demonstrated.

●         Practical training must be safely supervised; tutor-to-participant ratios must not exceed 1:12.

●         Tutors must assess the venue and undertake dynamic risk assessment throughout practical training.

●         Tutors may only teach techniques for which they have been trained, assessed and authorised.

Acceptance of NEST Tutors

NEST tutors are accepted only where NEST is satisfied that they can represent and deliver the programme consistently with its ethos and standards.

Tutors are expected to demonstrate

●         Relevant professional knowledge, qualifications and experience.

●         Understanding of behaviour as a form of communication.

●         Positive, supportive and relationship-based practice.

●         Understanding of prevention, environmental factors and proactive support.

●         Commitment to lawful, necessary and proportionate use of restrictive practices.

●         Ability to promote dignity, respect and the rights of children and young people.

●         Reflective practice and continuing professional development.

●         Ability to adapt training to individual school contexts and work collaboratively.

●         Commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and professional boundaries.

●         Professional, respectful and non-judgemental delivery.

●         Commitment to NEST policies, procedures and quality assurance.

Tutor acceptance process

●         Review of qualifications, experience and professional background through the Tutor Application.

●         Applicants must hold a Level 3 teaching/training qualification, or a recognised equivalent.

●         Completion of required NEST tutor training.

●         Observation of practice where appropriate.

●         Assessment against NEST tutor assessment criteria.

●         Discussion of understanding of the NEST ethos.

●         Completion of Due diligence.

●         Completion of the tutor declaration.

●         Approval by the NEST Lead Tutor or NEST governing body.

The NEST tutor ethos

Understand before responding  •  Relationship before control  •  Prevention before crisis  •  Least restrictive approach  •  Individualised support  •  Reflection rather than blame  •  Dignity and respect