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Seclusion vs removing a pupil from the classroom: requirements and guidance

Get to grips with the difference between seclusion and removal. Understand your responsibilities, the processes you need to follow, and new requirements around recording and reporting.

Last reviewed on 13 January 2026
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 45255
Contents
  1. Seclusion and removal from the classroom are different
  2. When can we remove or seclude a pupil?
  3. Recording and reporting requirements
  4. How should we remove or seclude a pupil?
  5. Staff responsibilities in the removal process
  6. When should a seclusion or removal end?
  7. Set out how you will use removal and seclusion in your policies
  8. Review your data on removals and seclusions

Seclusion and removal from the classroom are different

Seclusion Removal from the classroom  An intervention that keeps a pupil confined to a place away from others and prevents them from leaving Should only be used for the safety of that pupil and/or others Non-disciplinary: not a punishment or response to deliberate or wilful misbehaviour Example: putting a pupil into a safe, supervised ‘holding’ room when they are experiencing high levels of emotional or behavioural dysregulation, and there is a risk of immediate harm, until they have calmed down and there is no immediate risk of harm A pupil is required to spend a limited time out of the classroom, and continues their education while removed Should only be used