Reasonable Force & Restrictive Interventions in Schools

A practical guide for school staff in England to the legal power to use reasonable force and the Department for Education’s guidance on restrictive interventions, which replaced the 2013 reasonable force advice in April 2026. Covers when force may be used, safer alternatives, seclusion and restraint, and the new duties to record incidents and tell parents.

This course gives general awareness of guidance for schools in England. It is not legal advice. Always follow your school’s restrictive interventions and behaviour policies and the training you have received.