Restrictive Physical Intervention, Use of Reasonable Force and Use of Seclusion

The Department for Education (DfE) has issued updated guidance on the use of restrictive physical intervention, including reasonable force, within education settings. This guidance came into effect on 1 April 2026.

Key Requirements
Some aspects of this guidance are statutory and must be followed by all schools. In particular, there are new mandatory requirements regarding recording and reporting:

All incidents involving the use of reasonable force / seclusion must be formally recorded.
Parents or carers must be informed in writing when reasonable force or seclusion has been used.
Where appropriate, schools should invite parents/carers to a meeting to:
- Discuss the incident
- Review actions taken
- Agree strategies to manage any future incidents effectively

DFE Guidance: Restrictive interventions including use of reasonable force, in schools

Key Links & Documents

Heartwood Learning Trust: Positive Handling Plan for Restrictive Physical Intervention

Guidance Video: How to complete the Positive Handling Plan Comment

Letter Template: Notification of restrictive physical intervention or use of reasonable force

Google Form: Restrictive Physical Intervention Reporting Form

National College: Certificate in the Use of Restrictive Interventions

Definition of ‘seclusion’ in this DfE guidance:

Seclusion - a non-disciplinary intervention involving keeping a pupil confined to a place away from others and prevented from leaving (to safeguard the student and others, or to protect damage to property)

should only be used as a safety measure to protect others from harm when a pupil is experiencing high levels of emotional or behavioural dysregulation. In such circumstances, the pupil is not acting with intent. Seclusion should not be implemented by staff through threat of punishment.

Seclusion, as defined in this guidance, is not a disciplinary response to deliberate or wilful misbehaviour. There are disciplinary measures that are similar, such as removal from the classroom. Schools should refer to the Behaviour in schools guidance for further information on these and other disciplinary measures.