The DfE has published new guidance on restrictive interventions, including the use of reasonable force, following its consultation on it earlier this year.
The new guidance comes into effect on 1 April 2026 and replaces the existing guidance on the use of reasonable force in schools. You should follow the existing guidance until 31 March 2026.
You don't need to make any changes right now
We'll have a full summary of the new guidance ready for you in January, so you won't need to take any action during the winter break.
For now, visit our article on how to use reasonable force and select 'save for later'. We'll then email you when our summary is ready.
Here are the headline changes in the guidance
Recording and reporting to parents/carers each significant incident in which a staff member uses force