Restrictive Interventions

The Independent Grammar School: Durham

Restrictive Intervention Policy

Updated in line with DfE Use of Reasonable Force and Other Restrictive Interventions (April 2026) and the Schools (Recording and Reporting of Seclusion and Restraint) (England) Regulations 2025

1.         Purpose

 This policy sets out how IGS: Durham prevents, manages, records, and reviews restrictive interventions, including reasonable force, restraint, and seclusion. It ensures compliance with the Independent School Standards (ISS), current DfE guidance, and new statutory duties on recording and reporting seclusion and restraint.

 IGS: Durham is committed to safeguarding pupils, minimising the need for restrictive interventions, and ensuring that any intervention is lawful, necessary, proportionate, and the least restrictive option available.

 2.         Scope

 This policy applies to:

 ·       All pupils at IGS: Durham

·       All staff, including volunteers and visiting professionals

·       All situations on school premises and off‑site activities under school supervision

·       All forms of restrictive intervention: reasonable force, physical restraint, non‑force restrictive interventions, and seclusion

 3.         Definitions

 3.1 Restrictive Intervention: Any action that limits a pupil’s movement, liberty, or freedom to leave a space. This includes reasonable force, physical restraint, and non‑force restrictive interventions.

 3.2 Reasonable Force: Force used to prevent harm, maintain safety, or protect property, where the level of force is proportionate to the risk. Only trained staff may use force.

 3.3 Restraint: A non‑disciplinary intervention that immobilises or restricts movement, with or without physical contact.

 3.4 Seclusion: Keeping a pupil alone in a room or area and preventing them from leaving, either physically or through implied threat of punishment. Seclusion is not a disciplinary measure and must only be used to prevent immediate harm.

 4.         Principles

 IGS: Durham adheres to the following principles:

 Safety first: Interventions are used only to prevent significant harm to the pupil, others, or property.

 Minimum necessary force: Staff use the least restrictive option for the shortest possible time.

Proactive prevention: Early intervention, de‑escalation, and positive behaviour support are prioritised.

 Respect and dignity: Pupils are treated with care, respect, and sensitivity at all times.

 Compliance: All actions comply with the Education and Inspections Act 2006, ISS, and DfE guidance.

 Transparency: All incidents are recorded and reported to parents in line with 2025 regulations.

 5.         When Restrictive Intervention May Be Used

 Restrictive intervention may be used only when:

 ·       A pupil’s behaviour poses an immediate risk of injury to themselves or others

·       A pupil is causing serious damage to property

·       A pupil’s behaviour is seriously disrupting teaching or learning and poses a safety risk

·       A pupil is attempting to leave a safe area and doing so would place them at risk

 Restrictive intervention must not be used:

 ·       As punishment

·       For convenience

·       To force compliance where no safety risk exists

·       In any way that is degrading, dangerous, or medically unsafe

 6.         Seclusion

 Seclusion is a high‑risk intervention and must only be used when:

 ·       A pupil’s behaviour presents an immediate and serious risk

·       No other safe alternative is available

·       The pupil must be kept away from others to prevent harm

 Requirements:

 ·       Seclusion must be authorised by the Headteacher or senior leader.

·       The pupil must be continuously monitored.

·       The environment must be safe, supervised, and appropriate.

·       The pupil must be allowed to leave as soon as the risk reduces.

·       Parents must be informed and the incident recorded and reported under the 2025 Regulations.

·       IGS: Durham does not operate “isolation rooms” for disciplinary purposes.

 7.         Staff Training

 Only staff trained in de‑escalation and safe handling techniques may use restrictive interventions.  Training includes recognising triggers, trauma‑informed practice, SEND considerations, and safe physical intervention.

 Training is refreshed annually and monitored by SLT.

 8.         Considerations for Pupils with SEND

 Staff must consider:

 ·       Known triggers

·       Communication needs

·       Sensory sensitivities

·       Behaviour support plans

·       Medical conditions

·       Restrictive interventions must never replace appropriate SEND provision.

 9.         Recording and Reporting Requirements

 GS: Durham follows statutory duties under section 93A of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and the 2025 Regulations.

 9.1       Recording

 The following must be recorded:

 ·       Use of reasonable force

·       Use of restraint

·       Use of seclusion

·       Any non‑force restrictive intervention (e.g., blocking exits)

·       Records must include:

·       Date, time, location

·       Staff involved

·       Pupil(s) involved

·       Description of incident and risk

·       Intervention used and duration

·       Impact on pupil

·       Follow‑up actions

·       Parent notification details

 9.2       Reporting to Parents

 Under the 2025 Regulations, IGS: Durham must report all incidents of seclusion and restraint to parents. Reports are issued within 24 hours where possible.

 9.3       Data Review

 SLT and governors review incident data termly to identify patterns, improve practice and reduce restrictive interventions

 10.       Post‑Incident Support

 For Pupils:

 ·       Emotional check‑ins

·       Restorative conversations

·       Review of behaviour plans

·       Opportunity to express their views

 For Staff:

 ·       Debriefing

·       Access to support if distressed

·       Review of practice and training needs

 11.       Complaints and Allegations

 All complaints or allegations relating to restrictive interventions are handled under the school’s Complaints Policy and Safeguarding Policy. Serious allegations may be referred to the LADO.

 12.       Governance and Oversight

 The Proprietor ensures:

 ·       Compliance with ISS Part 3 (Welfare, Health and Safety)

·       Annual review of this policy

·       Monitoring of incident data

·       Staff training and resourcing

 13.       Publication

 This policy is:

 ·       Shared with all staff

·       Available to parents

·       Published on the school website

·       Reviewed annually or following legislative change

 This policy replaced the Use of Reasonable Force Policy in September 2026 to reflect changes in legislation and certain new terms which had become more prominent (e.g. restrictive intervention and seclusion).  Staff training is planned for Michaelmas I, 2026.

The policy will be reviewed annually – next review therefore will be September 2027.