Physical intervention in schools guidance consultation

Overview

In response to concerns raised about the use of restraint and seclusion in schools in the Children and Young People Commissioner’s 2018 report, No Safe Place, and the subsequent ENABLE Scotland In Safe Hands report, the Scottish Government established the Physical Intervention Working Group to develop new human rights-based guidance.

The draft guidance aims to minimise the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. It includes new definitions, human rights-based safeguards and recording, reporting and monitoring expectations. The draft guidance is focussed on protecting children and young people from harm and promoting rights-based practice in Scottish schools.

The advice offered aligns with international and domestic law and standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010.

The scope of the national guidance includes all local authority, grant-aided and independent schools.

Accessibility

Easy Read versions of the guidance and consultation questions are available.

Completed Easy Read consultation questions should be emailed to: PhysicalInterventionGuidanceConsultation@gov.scot

If you require a copy of the consultation papers in a different community language or format, please contact: PhysicalInterventionGuidanceConsultation@gov.scot

Post-consultation

The Scottish Government will produce a report of the consultation responses and, with the Physical Intervention Working Group, will agree any changes to be made to the guidance prior to its final publication later in the year. A full consultation report, outlining actions taken, will be published on the Scottish Government’s website.

Read the draft guidance

Why your views matter

The Scottish Government would like your views on the draft guidance.

What happens next

The Scottish Government will produce a report of the consultation responses and, working with the Physical Intervention Working Group, will agree any changes to be made to the guidance prior to its final publication. A full consultation report, outlining actions taken, will be published on the Scottish Government’s website.