Safe restraint

Learning outcomes

• State the legal test for lawful restraint and its limits
• Use de-escalation to avoid physical intervention wherever possible
• Recognise the physical and psychological risks of restraint
• Record, report and debrief every incident correctly

Module 1 of 3

When restraint is lawful

Physical intervention is lawful only where it is necessary to prevent injury to the child, injury to another person, or serious damage to property, and where the force used is reasonable, proportionate and the minimum necessary for the shortest possible time.

Restraint is never a punishment, never a response to non-compliance, refusal or rudeness, and never used to enforce a routine. Pain-compliance techniques, prone restraint and anything restricting the airway or chest are prohibited.

Module 2 of 3

De-escalation first

The overwhelming majority of incidents can be prevented. Recognise the build-up: pacing, raised volume, clenched posture, withdrawal. Reduce demands, lower your voice, increase physical space, remove the audience and offer clear, limited choices.

Know each child's individual behaviour support plan and their known triggers and calming strategies. A change of staff member is a legitimate and often highly effective intervention — swap out rather than escalating a standoff.

Module 3 of 3

During and after an intervention

Throughout any hold, monitor breathing, colour and consciousness continuously and keep talking calmly to the child. Release at the earliest safe moment. Any sign of respiratory distress means immediate release and, where indicated, a call to 999.

Afterwards, offer a medical check, record the incident the same day, notify the manager, placing authority and parents or carers as required, and log it in the restraint register. Both the child and the staff involved must be offered a separate debrief once everyone is calm.