Safeguarding and New Government Guidance on Restrictive Interventions in Schools (England)
Last week, the Department for Education (DfE) published updated statutory guidance titled Restrictive interventions, including use of reasonable force, in schools, which will come into force on 1 April 2026. This new guidance replaces the previous Use of Reasonable Force guidance first published in 2013 and reflects significant changes aimed at clarifying how and when school staff should use restrictive practices, such as physical restraint, reasonable force and seclusion, to keep pupils and others safe.
The guidance is intended for all schools in England, including maintained, independent, academy and alternative provision settings. Its purpose is to help school leaders and staff balance the need to maintain safety with the rights and wellbeing of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Key elements of the guidance include:
Clear definitions of restrictive interventions, including what constitutes reasonable force and seclusion. Reasonable force is described as physical contact that is no more than necessary and applied for the least amount of time required in the circumstances. GOV.UK
A new statutory requirement for schools to record and report every significant use of force and other restrictive practices, including seclusion, and to inform parents or carers as soon as practicable after an incident takes place. This is designed to increase transparency and accountability. You may want to add to this CPOMS or My Concerns if you are already using these platforms. GOV.UK+1
Guidance on prevention and de-escalation strategies to reduce the need for restrictive interventions in the first place, with an emphasis on working collaboratively with pupils, families and other professionals where appropriate. GOV.UK
Specific support regarding pupils with SEND, recognising that such pupils can be disproportionately impacted by restrictive practices and emphasising the importance of understanding their individual needs.
Schools will have a transition period to update policies, procedures and training in line with the new guidance before it formally takes effect next spring. Leaders are encouraged to review their practice now in order to ensure compliance and to reinforce safeguarding and behaviour management frameworks ahead of April 2026.
We have created a free checklist for schools, check out the resources section to find it.
