What Are the Rules and Regulations Regarding the Use of Physical Restraint in Schools?

School staff may only use physical restraint – legally, "reasonable force" – to prevent a pupil causing injury, committing an offence, damaging property, or seriously disrupting good order.

It applies to any paid member of staff, not just teachers, and can never be used as a punishment.

The force used must be the minimum necessary, for the shortest time possible, and proportionate to the risk.

The legal basis is Section 93 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006. Since April 2026, DfE statutory guidance on restrictive interventions has added further duties on top of that power: every significant incident of force, restraint or seclusion must be formally recorded, and parents told the same day wherever practicable. Seclusion – including withdrawal or time-out spaces – is now separately defined and regulated for the first time. Pupils with SEND should have individual risk assessments and behaviour support plans co-produced with them and their families.

See our full guide to the 2026 rules, or find out about our positive handling training for schools.