Restraint Policy

The 1996 Education Act permits the use of reasonable force to restrain a child in the event of extreme behaviour.

Restraint occurs when a member of staff uses physical force intentionally to restrict a child’s movement against his or her will. It should rarely be used. Physical contact with children may occur under other circumstances such as providing physical prompts, giving support in PE, and supplying reassurance. The term restraint does not extend to these situations. Staff should not be inhibited in providing such contact when it is professionally appropriate to do so.

The setting restraint policy is developed in relation to the setting policy on managing behaviour.

Reasonable force may be used in the following circumstances:

  • In self-defence where risk of injury is imminent
  • Where there is a developing risk of injury to the child or other children, or significant damage to property.
  • When the activity occurs on the setting premises or during an authorised activity off the premises.

Aims

  • At Redwood Early Years, physical restraint will only be used in extreme circumstances
  • Any force used should always be the minimum necessary to achieve the desired result and to prevent a child from:
  • Injuring themselves or others
  • Causing damage to property.

Principles

When might children be restrained?

  • Where possible staff should try to de-escalate the situation first. A physical intervention should only be used when other methods to manage the situation are inappropriate.

Examples of situations which may require physical restraint are when a child is:

  • Attacking a member of staff or another child
  • Fighting with another child
  • Engaged in or is on the verge of committing deliberate damage or vandalism to property.
  • Causing or at risk of causing injury or damage by accident, rough play or by misuse of dangerous materials or objects.

In cases when the setting is aware that a child is likely to behave in a way that may require physical restraint, plans will be made which address:

  • Possible strategies for de-escalating the problem
  • Ways of managing the child e.g. strategies, holds to be used,
  • Informing parents about specific action to be adopted
  • Briefing staff to ensure they are clear about strategies
  • Ensuring additional support can be summoned if appropriate.

Who may restrain pupils?

  • Physical restraint may be carried out by setting staff.

 However, should any individual lack the confidence or the desire to take such action, an alternative senior member of staff may be summoned.

  • These arrangements apply at all times the setting has responsibility for children and extend to times when children are off-site on educational trips. The policy does not apply to situations after children have been collected by parents and are in their care.

Everyone has the right to defend themselves against an attack provided they do not use a disproportionate amount of force to do so. In an emergency, e.g. if a child was at immediate risk of injury on someone else, any member of staff is able to intervene.

How may pupils be restrained?

  • EYFS guidance is to be followed
  • A calm approach to a situation should be adopted

Prior to intervention the adult should summon assistance from colleagues (senior management), e.g. when dealing with more than one child or if they believe that they may be at risk of injury.

If a member of staff does not feel confident to intervene they should continue to attempt to defuse the situation orally and to prevent the situation from escalating until help arrives. Staff should remove other children who may be at risk.

The adult should, where practicable, inform the child to stop, and what will happen if they do not. Attempts should be made to communicate with the child throughout the incident.

It should be made clear that physical restraint will stop as soon as it ceases to be necessary.

  • Physical intervention may take several forms:
  • Physically interposing between children
  • Standing in the way of a child
  • Holding.
  • Leading a child away by the hand or gentle pressure on the back.
  • In extreme cases more restrictive holds may be used.
  • No restraint may be used which may be considered to be indecent or which may be expected to cause injury to the child.

Staff must avoid touching or holding children in ways that could be construed to be abusive.

What to do after an incident of restraint

  • All incidents when restraint is used should be recorded as soon as possible (within 24 hours) and the manager notified. Reports should be recorded using the Restraint Incident Form and should include:
  • Name(s) of children involved.
  • Location of incident
  • The reason force was necessary
  • Description of the incident
  • Steps taken to diffuse the situation
  • Degree of force used and for how long
  • Child(s) response and outcome of the incident
  • Details of any injury suffered by anyone and damage to property
  • Statements from any witnesses should also be included.
  • Any staff injuries sustained will be recorded separately, in accordance with Health and Safety procedures.
  • Children who have been restrained will be entitled to record their views when they have calmed down and will be given assistance to do so if necessary (in accordance with the Children’s Act 1989).
  • Parents will always be informed of any incident with their child involving the use of physical restraint and will be given an opportunity to discuss the incident. How and when parents are informed is the decision of the manager.
  • Children or staff who are involved in a difficult incident will have access to support as required.