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How to review data on restrictive interventions

Learn how your board can provide strategic oversight on restrictive interventions, including the use of reasonable force. Our suggested questions will help you assess whether the data reflects improving practice and whether leaders are using these insights to drive measurable, sustained improvements.

Last reviewed on 19 May 2026
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 46517
Contents
  1. Get to grips with the basics first
  2. Key definitions
  3. Scrutinise your school/trust's internal data
  4. Ask for a termly summary report
  5. Look closely at patterns, trends and pupil groups
  6. Benchmark and sense check your data
  7. Suggested questions
  8. Ofsted expectations
  9. Signpost resources for your school/trust leaders

Get to grips with the basics first

The Department for Education (DfE)’s guidance Restrictive interventions, including the use of reasonable force, in schools came into effect on 1 April 2026.

Read our summary of your school's requirements to make sure you understand the basics. 

Key definitions

These definitions are also set out on pages 5 and 6 of the guidance.

Reasonable force Reasonable force refers to the broad range of actions used by staff that involve a degree of physical contact to restrain pupils, using no more force than is necessary for the least amount of time, the application of which will