What are restrictive interventions?

Restrictive interventions are actions that limit a pupil’s movement, either physically or through confinement (known as seclusion). Reasonable force refers to using the minimum necessary physical force for the shortest time to prevent harm or disorder.

  

When can staff use reasonable force?

 All school staff have the legal power to use reasonable force in limited circumstances, such as to:

• Prevent injury to a pupil or others
• Stop damage to property
• Prevent a criminal offence
• Maintain order

It is illegal to use force as a punishment and the use of reasonable force should avoid any risk to breathing or circulation. Pupils should not be held on the ground and pressure should not be applied to the nose, mouth, neck or abdomen.

Staff who are likely to need to use reasonable force or other restrictive interventions should be trained in its safe and lawful use.

 

Searching pupils

Head teachers and authorised staff members have a statutory (legal) power to search a pupil or their possessions if they reasonably suspect that a pupil may have a prohibited item, such as a weapon, controlled drug, alcohol or a stolen item and they may use reasonable force to do so. For items that are not prohibited but are banned only under school rules, staff members may search pupils and their possessions but may not use force or restraint.

  

Seclusion

Seclusion is keeping a dysregulated pupil in a safe space away from others. It should only be used to prevent harm to the pupil or others during extreme emotional or behavioural dysregulation, as a safety measure, not a disciplinary intervention. The pupil should be supervised in a safe place until the immediate risk of harm has reduced, after which the pupil should be allowed to leave.

  

Recording and reporting 

Schools must record and report any significant use of force or seclusion. This is a statutory requirement.

• Incidents must be documented promptly, ideally the same day.
• Parents must be informed as soon as possible, usually within the same day, even if the intervention was agreed in a behaviour plan.
• Reports should include details of what happened, why it was necessary, and any injuries.

  

School policies

Schools should develop a policy on the use of force, restraint and seclusion, clearly setting out when staff may use reasonable force and seclusion and the procedures for recording and reporting these incidents.

The policy should stress the importance of minimising the need to use these practices, both through whole-school strategies, and approaches with individual pupils, taking into account any SEND the pupil may have. Staff should consider the pupil’s overall welfare and recognise that pupils who have experienced adverse early experiences, past trauma or neglect, or have communication, sensory or other needs may find restrictive interventions particularly distressing.

  

Your rights as a parent

• You have the right to be notified of any significant incident involving your child.
• You can request a follow-up discussion with the school to review triggers, strategies used, and future plans.
• Schools should work with parents to develop behaviour support plans, especially for pupils with SEND, where appropriate.

 

Read the guidance in full (gov.uk)