Use of reasonable force

The updated ‘Use of reasonable force and other restrictive interventions in schools’ guidance comes into effect following a recent consultation.

The guidance is statutory and has been updated to provide new information about recording and reporting the use of force, effective from September 2025.

The updates include:

• New statutory guidance about recording and reporting the use of force, effective from September 2025
• New non-statutory guidance about the use, recording and reporting of other restrictive interventions
• Additional clarification on the use of reasonable force to help school staff use this power safely and appropriately
• Specific support for staff who work with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)