New DfE guidance on restrictive interventions, including use of reasonable force in schools
The Department for Education has released major updates to the national Use of Reasonable Force guidance, with full implementation from 1 April 2026.
These changes include:
- Mandatory recording of all significant incidents
- Mandatory reporting to parents
- New statutory definitions around the use of seclusion
- Stronger expectations around prevention and de-escalation
- Enhanced responsibilities for governing boards in reviewing data and practice
The guidance also makes clear that all school staff must be appropriately trained, reinforcing the importance of consistent, safe practice across educational settings.
You're invited: Norfolk County Council briefing
We will shortly be hosting a briefing, led by our Norfolk Steps team providing:
- An overview of the updated DfE guidance
- Implications for schools and governing bodies
- A supportive space to explore implementation approaches across Norfolk
- Contributions led by Norfolk Steps schools, sharing effective whole school practice
Please join us on Tuesday April 21 at 3.30pm.
Click the link below to book your place.
Norfolk Steps - Funded for all Norfolk schools, more important than ever
Over two-thirds of Norfolk schools are already trained in Norfolk Steps, ensuring strong alignment with the new national expectations.
With the DfE stating that all staff who are likely to need to use reasonable force and/or other restrictive interventions, should be adequately trained in its safe and lawful use, and in preventative strategies, now is a perfect moment to secure places for your team and embed consistent, relational, preventative practice across your setting.
Find out more and secure your place on the next available Norfolk Steps course.
