The Department for Education has launched a consultation on its
updated Use of Reasonable Force and Other Restrictive
Interventions Guidance: Use of reasonable force
and other restrictive interventions guidance: proposed amendments
- GOV.UK
It provides new guidance on:
- Additional clarification to support staff in assessing when
the use of reasonable force is appropriate and necessary;
- Additional advice on designing a policy that strives to
minimise use of reasonable force and other restrictive
interventions through prevention, de-escalation and data
analysis strategies;
- New advice for those working with pupils with special
educational needs and disabilities (SEND);
- New advice on pupil and staff support following an incident
of reasonable force; and
- New statutory guidance for recording and reporting each
significant incident where a member of staff uses reasonable
force on a pupil.
Education Minister said:
“A shameful number of cases of mistreatment against vulnerable
pupils have come to light under the guise of 'reasonable force
and restraint'.
“The use of reasonable force is sometimes necessary to keep
everyone in the school community safe, but misuse can leave
significant and long-lasting effects on the pupils, staff members
and parents.
"The Government's Plan for Change will ensure every child can
thrive and these changes will help to ensure that parents are
immediately notified about any use of force and can play a key
role in discussions about how their child's needs are met.”
