Course Outline – Breakaway and Positive Behaviour Training

1. Introduction to Challenging Behaviour

• What challenging behaviour is
• Levels of aggression and early warning signs

2. Causes of Challenging Behaviour

• Why behaviours occur
• Recognising triggers and anxiety patterns

3. Positive Behaviour Management Strategies

• Proactive PBS approaches
• Preventing escalation before it begins

4. Effective Communication Skills

• Clear verbal and non‑verbal communication
• Building trust and rapport

5. Conflict Resolution & De‑escalation

• Calming techniques
• Preventing situations from worsening

6. Legal & Ethical Frameworks

• Duty of care
• Least‑restrictive practice

7. Safety & Breakaway Techniques

• Safe disengagement skills
• Avoiding dangerous situations

8. Post‑Incident Protocols

• Recording incidents
• Reviewing and learning from events

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the PBS and Breakaway Training, learners will be able to:

• Identify common causes and triggers of challenging behaviour.
• Recognise early signs of anxiety, distress and escalation.
• Apply positive behaviour support (PBS) strategies confidently.
• Use effective communication and de‑escalation techniques.
• Demonstrate safe breakaway techniques during practical exercises.
• Respond appropriately to aggressive or challenging situations.
• Understand relevant legal, ethical and workplace responsibilities.
• Record, report and review incidents accurately.
• Apply person‑centred approaches that promote dignity, safety and choice.

Upon completing the Core Skills Breakaway and Positive Behaviour Training, learners will be able to recognise triggers, apply effective de-escalation strategies, and understand safe breakaway techniques for disengaging from grips or holds.

This helps staff respond appropriately to challenging behaviour while maintaining safety, dignity and person-centred care.

Course Information

• Duration: 4–6 hours
• Level: Level 3
• Certificate: 2‑year certificate
• Max Delegates: 10
• Practical: Yes✅( On request)
• Mode: Face‑to‑Face or Virtual (Onsite & Offsite)

Benefits of Combining PBS and Breakaway Training

A combined breakaway and PBS training programme gives staff a complete toolkit for preventing, managing and safely responding to behaviours of concern.

Key Benefits

• Improved safety: Breakaway techniques reduce injury risk during aggressive incidents.
• Better communication: PBS strategies help staff calm situations early.
• Reduced restraint: Understanding behaviour reduces the need for restrictive interventions.
• Higher confidence: Staff feel more prepared and capable.
• Better outcomes: Person‑centred PBS improves wellbeing and reduces incidents.
• Lower stress: Prepared staff feel more secure and supported.
• Legally compliant: Training aligns with ethical and legal standards.

This combined positive behaviour training and breakaway course is ideal for education and care.

Why Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Breakaway Training Matter for Schools and Children Homes

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Breakaway Training are essential for staff working in UK schools and care homes, where challenging behaviour can impact safety, wellbeing and the quality of care or learning.

1. Keeping People Safe

PBS helps staff reduce and prevent challenging behaviour. Breakaway Training teaches safe, low‑impact disengagement techniques for situations where aggression occurs. This supports safety in care homes (e.g., dementia, learning disabilities) and schools (e.g., pupils with additional needs).

2. Improving Quality of Life

PBS helps staff understand the reasons behind behaviour and create simple, effective support plans. This promotes dignity, inclusion and emotional wellbeing. In schools, it supports learning; in care homes, it supports person‑centred care.

3. Reducing the Use of Force

Training focuses on least‑restrictive, respectful approaches aligned with UK guidance such as CQC expectations and safeguarding standards. Reducing force builds trust, improves relationships and supports long‑term positive outcomes.

4. Increasing Staff Confidence

PBS gives staff practical tools to manage behaviour calmly. Breakaway Training prepares them for higher‑risk situations. Together, they help staff feel more confident, capable and less stressed in busy environments.

5. Creating Inclusive Environments

PBS supports inclusive learning in schools and personalised care in homes. It helps staff meet diverse needs and create environments where everyone feels supported and valued.

6. Meeting Legal and Ethical Requirements

Schools and care homes must follow UK laws and policies around behaviour, safety and restrictive practices. PBS and Breakaway Training help staff work safely, ethically and in line with regulatory expectations.

7. Preventing Escalation Early

PBS teaches staff to recognise early signs of distress and intervene before behaviour escalates. This keeps classrooms focused and care environments calm.

Customer Reviews:

We have received thousands of positive reviews from participants who have attended our PBS Training and Breakaway Training. Our course is rated ‘Excellent’ on all third-party websites, reflecting our commitment to high-quality training across the UK.

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“Gain confidence and knowledge positive support to patients with challenging behaviour.. Learned techniques with actual demo and done actually very good .” – Velma Duria

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“The trainer Sarah Freer was very good, she made it formal, easy to follow, Informative and a friendly positive atmosphere.” – Charlotte

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“Our staff had no issues on the training they all enjoyed it. It’s easy as can be to arrange training and ask questions about things we’ve always had a speedy in depth reply every time over the years.” –Making Space

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“Great trainer. Very engaging and made sure everyone understands. Would definitely training with this company again.” – Anonymous

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“Caring for care does care for their clients , from the initial booking with Emma everything was smooth she kept us informed on what was happening . Kai was awesome his teaching methods are inclusive and fun , we all enjoyed the training . Thank you caring for care team.” – Brenda

Who Is the Breakaway and PBS Course For?

The PBS and breakaway training course is suitable for:

• Education professionals
• Healthcare staff
• Support workers
• Residential care staff
• Social workers
• Behaviour specialists
• Therapists
• Security staff in care settings
• Family carers

Career Opportunities

Completing PBS and breakaway training supports progression into roles such as:

• Support Worker
• Care Assistant
• Teaching Assistant
• SEN Staff
• Youth Worker
• Social Care Worker
• Behaviour Support Worker
• Mental Health Support Staff

This training demonstrates confidence in managing challenging behaviour safely and professionally.

Onsite Positive Behaviour Support and Breakaway Training

We deliver onsite Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Breakaway Training across the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Training is delivered at your workplace—schools, care homes, hospitals or community services—so your team can learn together without travelling.

Onsite delivery allows us to tailor the session to your environment, service users and organisational procedures. Sessions can be scheduled around your team’s availability.

This combined PBS and breakaway technique training helps staff understand challenging behaviour, recognise triggers, use de‑escalation strategies and apply safe breakaway technique.

Why Choose Onsite Breakaway and PBS Training?

• Train your team together Build a consistent, whole‑team approach to positive behaviour support and safe breakaway techniques.
• No travel required Our trainers come to your workplace, reducing disruption and saving time.
• Flexible delivery Sessions can be arranged around your team’s schedule and operational needs.
• Relevant to your setting Training uses real examples, scenarios and challenges from your environment to ensure maximum relevance.
• Expert‑led learning Learn from experienced PBS and breakaway trainers, with opportunities to ask questions throughout.
• Apply learning immediately Staff leave with practical strategies they can use straight away within your workplace procedures.

What You Need to Provide

To deliver onsite Positive Behaviour Support and Breakaway Training, we ask that you provide:

• A suitable training space – A classroom, hall or meeting room large enough for practical breakaway technique exercises.
• A safe, clear area – Enough open space for movement‑based activities without hazards.
• Parking or access instructions – So our trainer can arrive and set up smoothly.
• Delegate list – Names of staff attending the PBS and breakaway training session.
• Any specific concerns or behaviours – Information about challenges your team faces, so we can tailor examples and scenarios.
• Your organisation’s policies – Behaviour management, incident reporting or safeguarding procedures (optional but helpful for alignment).

Providing these details ensures the training is relevant, safe and fully tailored to your school, care home, hospital or service.

Breakaway + PBS Course FAQs

How is PBS different from Managing Challenging Behaviour (MCB) Training?

PBS focuses on understanding behaviour, reducing triggers and creating proactive, person‑centred support plans. Managing Challenging Behaviour (MCB) is more response‑based, teaching staff how to manage behaviour once it occurs. PBS is preventative; MCB deals with behaviour during or after escalation.

Can I combine Managing Behaviour with PBS Training instead?

Yes. Managing Behaviour content can be combined with PBS Training if you prefer a theory‑focused session. However, it will not include practical breakaway techniques unless specifically added.

Which is best for schools: combining PBS with CBT or Breakaway?

For most schools, PBS combined with Challenging Behaviour Training is the most suitable option, as it focuses on prevention, understanding behaviour and de‑escalation. However, if your setting experiences situations where behaviour may escalate into physical risk, adding Breakaway Training is recommended. CBT is reflective and therapeutic, not designed for managing real‑time behaviour or safety.

Is there any practical involved?

Yes, based on request only. Breakaway Training includes practical disengagement techniques. If practical is not required, we can deliver the session virtually. A full eLearning option is also available: Challenging Behaviour and PBS Online Training. Discuss with our team if would be needing the practical.

Do you do PBS Training alone?

Yes. We offer PBS Training as a standalone theory‑based session lasting 2–3 hours. It covers behaviour understanding, triggers, prevention and de‑escalation, without any physical breakaway techniques.

When should the course be refreshed?

We recommend refreshing PBS and Breakaway Training every 1–2 years, or sooner if your service has new staff, increased incidents or updated behaviour policies.

Should I train both new and old staff together?

Yes. Mixed‑group training helps create a consistent approach across your team. New staff learn expectations early, and existing staff refresh skills and align practice. Also both can share and learn from experiences within the classroom.

What core skills differentiate PBS from Managing Challenging Behaviour?

PBS focuses on understanding behaviour, reducing triggers and creating proactive support plans. Managing Challenging Behaviour focuses more on responding to behaviour once it occurs. PBS is preventative; MCB is response‑based.

Is PMVA the same as Breakaway?

No. PMVA includes restrictive physical interventions and holds. Breakaway is non‑restrictive and teaches safe disengagement only. Breakaway is suitable for education and care settings where restraint is not required. We have an article on breakaway de-escalation techniques which involves using both verbal and non-verbal skills for de-escalation.