Use of Reasonable Force at Highfields College

At Highfields College, we focus extensively on positive and proactive behaviour support. By adopting ‘trauma-responsive’ and ‘attachment needs friendly’ responses alongside the use of individualised plans created in partnership with students and their parents/carers, we aim to minimise the need for restrictive practices.

However, we maintain an absolute statutory duty of care to ensure the safety of our entire community. Staff will only use reasonable force or restrictive practices where proactive de-escalation has been exhausted, or where an immediate risk of harm leaves no alternative. We follow statutory Department for Education (DfE) guidance regarding restrictive interventions and reasonable force in schools.

These legal powers apply fully both on the school premises and at any time a student is under the lawful control of school staff off-site, including educational day trips, community visits, and residential excursions.

Exceptional circumstances where it is legally necessary and appropriate for staff to use reasonable force or restrict a student’s movement to maintain safety include:
• Removing disruptive children from a classroom or an off-site activity venue where they have explicitly refused to follow instructions to leave.
• Preventing a pupil from behaving in a way that severely disrupts a school event (including exams), trip, or community visit.
• Preventing a pupil from leaving a classroom, school vehicle, or designated off-site area where allowing them to leave or abscond would directly endanger their own safety or severely compromise the safety of others.
• Preventing a pupil from attacking a member of staff, another pupil, or a member of the public, or to break up a physical fight.
• Restraining a pupil who is at imminent risk of severely harming themselves through physical outbursts, erratic behaviour or intended self-injury.

The term ‘reasonable force’ covers a range of protective actions, from passive contact (blocking a path) to active contact (Team Teach guiding or physical restraint). ‘Reasonable’ means using no more force than is strictly needed to re-establish safety.

We firmly believe that a ‘no contact’ policy—or granting individual parental exemptions—would leave staff unable to fulfil their statutory duty of care to protect our pupils, particularly on off-site trips. Highfields College adopts a safe, sensible approach based on professional judgment and immediate, dynamic risks.

We recognise the heightened vulnerability of children with SEND, mental health difficulties, or complex medical conditions. We act at all times in accordance with our duties under the Equality Act 2010, ensuring reasonable adjustments are reflected within the student’s Positive Handling Plan so emergency interventions are safely adapted to their needs.

Any parent, carer or student concerned about a specific incident should follow the school’s Complaints Policy.