Information for schools: Publication of guidance and legislation on restrictive interventions and reasonable force in schools

On 18 December 2025, the restrictive interventions, including use of reasonable force, in schools guidance was published alongside legislation requiring schools to record and report significant uses of force and incidents of seclusion to parents.

Headteachers and senior leaders should read the updated guidance which will become effective on 1 April 2026, replacing the use of reasonable force in schools, which remains effective until 31 March 2026.