Guidance

Use of reasonable force in schools

Guidance about the use of physical restraint in schools for governing bodies, headteachers and school staff.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 17 July 2013
• Last updated: 15 January 2025 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Use of reasonable force in schools

Ref: DFE-00295-2013

PDF, 242 KB, 11 pages

Details

This is for school leaders and school staff.

It applies to:

• local-authority-maintained schools
• academies and free schools
• pupil referral units
• non-maintained special schools
• independent schools

This guidance provides clarification on the use of force:

• to help school staff feel more confident about using reasonable force when they feel it is necessary
• to make clear the responsibilities of school leaders and governing bodies in respect of this power

Published 17 July 2013
Last updated 15 January 2025 + show all updates

1. 15 January 2025

   'Sixth-form colleges' removed from the 'it applies to' list on this page.

2. 17 July 2013

   First published.