🧩 PRICE Training Strengthens Practice Across Compass Community Schools

Several Compass Community Schools have recently taken part in PRICE training—an evidence-based programme designed to support the safe management of challenging behaviour in caring environments. The acronym PRICE stands for Protecting Rights in a Caring Environment, reflecting the organisation’s core ethos of dignity, respect and safety for everyone involved.

The training gives staff the confidence and skills to manage potentially difficult situations calmly and professionally. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, participants explore de-escalation strategies, effective communication techniques, and—where absolutely necessary—physical interventions.

Each session is centred around maintaining safety while protecting positive relationships—an approach that mirrors Compass Community Schools’ therapeutic and learner-centred ethos.

PRICE training usually begins with practical learning, where staff revisit and rehearse approved physical intervention techniques under the guidance of an experienced trainer. This hands-on work includes demonstrations, quality assurance checks, and discussions around real-life scenarios—always with a strong focus on maintaining safety and dignity. The practical element is followed by interactive theory sessions, which explore the principles, intent and legal context surrounding restrictive interventions, helping staff to embed their understanding and apply it consistently in their roles.

Recent training sessions took place throughout September and October, with colleagues across the network describing the experience as both informative and empowering.

Karen Fancourcourt, Headteacher at CCS Eld Park, said the “trainer is very good and provided lots of opportunities to embed the holds,” adding that the training “gives you confidence, should you need to use PI.”

Michael Rayner at CCS North described it as “a good refresher of knowledge our staff teams already have,” while Nathan Kempster from CCS Essex noted the session was “an informative and timely reminder” of key practices around “de-escalation and debriefs.”

Sally Washington commented that the package was extremely well delivered and said her team left the sessions with increased confidence and a stronger understanding of this important area of their work. “All staff at Mountfields Park were complimentary about the training,” she said. “It’s helped sharpen our practice and deepen our understanding.”

By equipping staff to act safely and consistently, PRICE training continues to strengthen the caring culture across Compass Community Schools—ensuring that every learner feels secure, respected and understood, even in moments of high emotion.