Restrictive Interventions in Schools What are they?

Restrictive interventions refer to actions taken to prevent or control a pupil’s behaviour in order to keep them or others safe. This can include physical restraint, the use of reasonable force, or seclusion where it is used as a safety measure rather than punishment.

The guidance is clear that these interventions should only ever be used when necessary, must be proportionate to the situation, and should be applied for the shortest time possible.

When Is the Use of Reasonable Force Allowed?

School staff have a legal right to use reasonable force in specific situations, such as preventing injury, stopping serious disruption, or protecting property. However, the guidance makes it explicit that force must never be used as a form of punishment.

More importantly, schools are expected to prioritise prevention. This includes de-escalation strategies, behaviour support planning, and understanding the underlying causes of behaviour — particularly for pupils with additional needs.

New Recording Requirements (2026 Update)

One of the most significant changes in the updated guidance is the statutory requirement for schools to record all significant incidents involving the use of force.

These records must include key details such as who was involved, what happened, why the intervention was necessary, and any relevant context such as triggers or de-escalation attempts. Schools are expected to complete this recording as soon as possible, ideally on the same day as the incident.

This shift highlights that safeguarding is not just about action — it is about having a clear and defensible record of that action.

Reporting Requirements to Parents

Alongside recording, schools now have a legal duty to report significant incidents to parents as soon as practicable, again ideally on the same day. The report must clearly explain what happened, why force was used, and whether any injuries occurred.

This requirement applies even where interventions have been pre-agreed as part of a behaviour support plan, reinforcing the importance of transparency and communication.

Monitoring, Trends and Safeguarding Oversight

The guidance also places a strong emphasis on how schools use the data they collect. It is not enough to simply record incidents; schools are expected to review patterns, identify recurring issues, and use this insight to improve practice.

This includes understanding whether certain pupils are more frequently involved, whether particular triggers are common, and whether interventions are being used effectively. Over time, this supports better safeguarding decisions and helps reduce the need for restrictive interventions altogether.

The Challenge for Schools

In practice, many schools are still relying on a combination of paper forms, spreadsheets, and email communication to manage this process. While these methods may have worked previously, they can make it difficult to maintain consistency, ensure timely reporting, and gain a clear overview of incidents.

This fragmentation increases the risk of missing information and makes it harder to demonstrate compliance with the updated guidance.

How CURA Helps Schools Stay Compliant

CURA is designed to support schools in meeting these requirements by providing a structured and centralised approach to safeguarding and incident recording.

Instead of relying on multiple systems or manual processes, CURA allows schools to record incidents in a consistent format that aligns with their policies. This ensures that key information is captured every time, without relying on individual interpretation or variation in approach.

All entries are stored within a clear chronology for each pupil, making it easy to review history and understand context. This is particularly important when identifying patterns or preparing for inspections, as it provides a complete and accessible record.

CURA also supports accountability through secure access controls and a full audit trail, ensuring that all actions are recorded and traceable. Reporting tools make it easier to analyse data and identify trends, helping schools move from simply recording incidents to actively improving their safeguarding practices.

Importantly, the system is highly configurable, allowing schools to use their own terminology and processes. Whether recording safeguarding concerns, behaviour incidents, wellbeing issues, or physical interventions, CURA adapts to the way each organisation works.

Staying Compliant and Confident

The updated DfE guidance makes it clear that safeguarding does not end with the incident itself. Schools must be able to demonstrate that actions were appropriate, that they were recorded correctly, and that they are learning from the data they collect.

By providing a clear and consistent way to manage this information, CURA helps schools meet their statutory obligations while improving visibility, accountability, and overall safeguarding outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Restrictive interventions should always be a last resort. However, when they are used, it is essential that schools can demonstrate they have acted appropriately and followed the correct procedures.

With increasing expectations around recording, reporting, and oversight, having the right system in place is key. CURA provides the foundation for this, helping schools stay compliant with DfE guidance while maintaining confidence in their safeguarding processes.