Restraint

Also called Reasonable force, Physical intervention, Positive handling

Physically holding or moving a pupil. Lawful in narrow circumstances, and it must be recorded and reported.

What it is

School staff have a legal power to use reasonable force to prevent a pupil committing an offence, injuring themselves or others, damaging property, or prejudicing good order and discipline.

"Reasonable" means proportionate to the circumstances and to the consequences it is intended to prevent. Force must never be used as a punishment.

Where it applies

All schools. Staff authorised by the headteacher, which includes teachers and can include other staff.

How it works

Schools should record significant incidents and inform parents. DfE guidance on use of reasonable force expects a policy, and separate guidance covers pupils with SEND, where planned positive handling should be part of a wider behaviour support plan.

Seclusion — forcing a pupil to remain alone in a room they cannot leave — engages further legal considerations and should be exceptional.

What you can ask for

Ask to be told the same day, in writing, whenever force is used on your child. Ask for the incident record.

Ask whether staff are trained, in what approach, and whether the training is current.

For a child with SEND where restraint is foreseeable, ask for a written positive handling plan agreed with you — planned de-escalation, known triggers, what will and will not be used.

If you believe force was excessive, that is a safeguarding matter and goes to the local authority designated officer, not only to the school.

Where to get help

The DfE's use of reasonable force guidance. SENDIASS and the Challenging Behaviour Foundation for children with learning disabilities.