Definitions of key terms Restrictive interventions are used to prevent, restrict or subdue movement of the body or part of the body. Restrictive interventions include physical and non-physical actions aimed at restraining pupils’ movement. For example, putting a pupil in a room and not allowing them to leave is a restrictive intervention. Reasonable force refers to the broad range of actions used by staff that involve a degree of physical contact to restrain children, using no more force than is needed for the least amount of time, the application of which will depend on the circumstances.. A significant incident is any incident where the use of force goes beyond appropriate physical contact (see definition below) between a member of staff and a pupil. Appropriate contact might include a handshake to congratulate a pupil, giving first aid, or demonstrating how to use a musical instrument. See pages 7 and 8 of the guidance (linked above) for more
Restrictive intervention, including reasonable force: the statutory requirements
Understand when and how staff in your school can use restrictive interventions, including reasonable force – and get your head around the new statutory recording and reporting requirements from 1 April 2026.
Updated
on 19 May 2026See updates- Definitions of key terms
- Who can use restrictive interventions, and when?
- How staff should decide whether to use a restrictive intervention
- Pupils with SEND and/or disabilities
- Statutory recording and reporting requirements
- Analysing data on restrictive interventions and reasonable force
- Your school should develop a restrictive interventions policy
- Your school should use prevention and de-escalation strategies to minimise the need for restrictive interventions