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 in different ways. 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
Restrictive interventions, including reasonable force: requirements and guidance
Understand the rules around staff using restrictive interventions, including reasonable force – and get your head around your statutory recording and reporting requirements from 1 April 2026.
- Definitions of key terms
- Who can use restrictive interventions, and when?
- How should staff decide whether to use a restrictive intervention?
- What should happen after a restrictive intervention?
- Pupils with SEND and/or disabilities
- Statutory recording requirements
- Statutory reporting requirements
- Analysing data on restrictive interventions and reasonable force
- Develop a restrictive interventions policy
- De-escalation and prevention techniques