Reasonable force and restrictive physical intervention in schools
When it comes to restrictive intervention, it’s essential that teachers and school staff understand what qualifies as reasonable force and what they should consider before resorting to restrictive physical intervention in schools.
What is reasonable force?
Force is used in schools to restrain students. Reasonable force means using no more force than the situation requires and ensuring any force used is proportionate to what it aims to prevent.
Force is often used as part of a restrictive intervention, which is where a student’s movement is prevented or restricted. As well as a physical restrictive intervention, this can also be non-physical such as standing between two students who have been fighting.
Reasonable force and restrictive interventions can be used to prevent students hurting themselves or others, or damage to property.
In the classroom or around a school, this might look like:
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Removing a student from the classroom if they have ignored verbal instructions to leave by themselves
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Preventing a student from hurting a member of staff or another student
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Intervening in a fight between students
Who can use physical intervention?
All members of school staff have legal power to use reasonable force.
This can also apply to anyone temporarily in charge of students’ safety, such as volunteers helping on a school trip.
What to consider before a physical intervention
Many of those who work in schools may have to use reasonable force at some point. But before a physical intervention, it’s important to consider whether:
Force is necessary:
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Are there any other ways to manage the situation?
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Will using force help, or could the use of force escalate the situation?
Force is proportionate:
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Staff should be sure they are using the least amount of force possible
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If physical intervention does escalate the situation, consider other ways the behaviour could be handled
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Consider the specific student’s situation and if they are vulnerable in any way e.g. have any medical conditions
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Force should be proportionate to a student’s size and age
It’s also key to consider potential impacts on the student’s welfare. If a student has past experiences of trauma or neglect, or has difficulties with communication, use of force and restrictive interventions can be disproportionately upsetting and difficult for them.
In any situation where force is used, staff should clearly communicate to ensure the student knows what they are going to do and why.
Where reasonable force can’t be used
Force of any kind can never be used as a punishment – this is against the law.
Reasonable force and students with SEND
Students who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or social, emotional and mental health needs often respond differently to confusing or upsetting situations, such as being overwhelmed or in an unfamiliar situation.
Some students may respond to distress with actions instead of words – and this means students with SEND are disproportionately likely to be subject to physical interventions.
As such, it’s key for schools and class teachers to develop strategies that can de-escalate without the use of force. It is easier to provide support once you understand what is triggering the student’s distress.
Recording and reporting incidents
It is a legal duty for schools to report incidents to the parent or carer of the student involved – and the parent or carer needs to be made aware of the incident on the same day it occurred. This should be included in your school’s policy on use of force and restrictive interventions.
There are some cases where reporting an incident could cause harm to a student. In situations where there is no one to report an incident to that would not risk serious harm, then the incident should be reported to the student’s local authority rather than a parent or carer.
Keep students safe with confidence
It's key for school staff to understand restrictive physical interventions and reasonable force at school, and how they can be used to keep students safe.
Training on the use of force and restrictive interventions is essential to help staff judge when it is appropriate to use restrictive interventions. Situations can escalate quickly and staff often need to make a choice in a very short amount of time.
Our course, ‘The Use of Reasonable Force and Restrictive Interventions in Schools’ explores:
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Definitions of reasonable force, restrictive intervention and seclusion
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Who can use force and unacceptable types of force
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Considerations for students with special educational needs or disabilities
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Legal requirements for reporting and recording incidents where force is used
Take the course to safeguard students at your school with more confidence.
