Use of reasonable force and restrictive practices in schools

The Department for Education has just launched a consultation on the use of reasonable force and restrictive practices in schools.

The call for evidence will focus on understanding more about the use of reasonable force, physical restraint and restrictive practices in schools. It will inform revisions to existing guidance.

Following an inquiry by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission it was found there was inconsistency and uncertainty about what should be included in school policies governing the use of restraint. It was felt that schools’ recording practices were not consistent and a better understanding of what constitutes restraint was needed along with what schools should record.

The consultation is open until 11^th May 2023.