The Department for Education (DfE) has released new guidance titled “Restrictive interventions, including use of reasonable force, in schools”, which will take effect from April 2026. This comprehensive framework replaces the previous Use of Reasonable Force (2013) guidance and introduces significant new duties for schools across England. It applies to all school types—maintained, non‑maintained, independent, academies, alternative provision academies, maintained nursery schools, and pupil referral units—as well as local authorities.
In replacing the 2013 guidance, the new guidance introduces clearer definitions of restrictive interventions, reasonable force, restraint and seclusion, alongside updated expectations for safeguarding and welfare. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of legal duties to record and report the use of force and seclusion, arising from the Schools (Recording and Reporting of Seclusion and Restraint) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2025. From April 2026, any significant incident involving the use of force must be documented, and parents must be informed as soon as practicable—ideally the same day; unless doing so would likely result in serious harm.
While much of the document is non‑statutory, the statutory requirements on page 14 of the guidance sets out duties that schools must follow when recording and reporting significant incidents involving the use of force. Records must capture key details such as reasons for the intervention, type and degree of force, duration, injuries and the pupil’s SEND status. The guidance also emphasises safeguarding considerations, including avoiding techniques that compromise breathing or circulation and ensuring prompt medical assessment where needed.
The guidance places strong emphasis on prevention, de‑escalation and partnership working; in fact a recurring theme throughout the guidance is the emphasis on prevention and de escalation. Schools are encouraged to develop whole school approaches that promote emotional regulation and positive relationships and make sure that the accessible policies are aligned with the Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010.
Governors should ensure that schools:
- update their behaviour, safeguarding and SEND policies;
- strengthen staff training; and
- have robust systems in place for incident recording, data review and parental communication.
For pupils with SEND, schools are expected to tailor strategies for individual pupils. This means identifying triggers, putting together behaviour support plans with families, and carrying out risk assessments where restrictive interventions may be more likely, and ensuring staff receive appropriate training.
With the April 2026 enforcement date approaching, governing boards have a key role in ensuring that their school or trust is fully prepared for these new statutory obligations. We strongly advise schools and trusts use this time to review behaviour policies, safeguarding procedures, staff training arrangements and, very importantly, incident recording and reporting systems.
For further advice or support, please contact us by email on schoolsupport@wslaw.co.uk or by telephone on 0345 070 7437.