Common use of Use of Reasonable Force Clause in Contracts

Use of Reasonable Force. There may be some circumstances where staff may have to use reasonable force and the lawful use of this power will provide a defence to any related prosecution or other legal action. ‘Reasonable’ means using no more force than is needed. The decision on whether or not to physically intervene is always down to the professional judgement of the member of staff concerned and should always depend on individual circumstances. In school, force may be used for two main purposes: • To control students • To restrain students This can range from guiding a student to safety by the arm through to more extreme circumstances such as breaking up a fight or where a student needs to be restrained to prevent violence or injury. Control means either passive, physical contact, such as standing between students or blocking a student’s path, or active physical contact such as leading a student by the arm out of the classroom. Restraint means to hold back physically or to bring a student under control. It is typically used in more extreme circumstances, for example when students are fighting and refuse to separate without physical intervention. Members of staff have the power to use reasonable force to prevent students from: • Committing an offence • Injuring themselves or others • Damaging property and to maintain good order and discipline in the classroom When using reasonable force, schools must consider the age and needs of students. This includes the individual needs or learning difficulties of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and making reasonable adjustments that may be required where a student has a disability. Staff members using reasonable force must adhere to guidance in the Department for Education document, Advice for headteachers, staff and governing bodies: ‘Use of reasonable Force 2013’ (Appendix 8).

Use of Reasonable Force. There may be some circumstances where staff may have to use reasonable force and the lawful use of this power will provide a defence to any related prosecution or other legal action. ‘Reasonable’ means using no more force than is needed. The decision on whether or not to physically intervene is always down to the professional judgement of the member of staff concerned and should always depend on individual circumstances. In school, force may be used for two main purposes: • To control students • To restrain students This can range from guiding a student to safety by the arm through to more extreme circumstances such as breaking up a fight or where a student needs to be restrained to prevent violence or injury. Control means either passive, physical contact, such as standing between students or blocking a student’s path, or active physical contact such as leading a student by the arm out of the classroom. Restraint means to hold back physically or to bring a student under control. It is typically used in more extreme circumstances, for example when students are fighting and refuse to separate without physical intervention. Members of staff have the power to use reasonable force to prevent students from: • Committing an offence • Injuring themselves or others • Damaging property and to maintain good order and discipline in the classroom When using reasonable force, schools must consider the age and needs of students. This includes the individual needs or learning difficulties of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and making reasonable adjustments that may be required where a student has a disability. Staff members using reasonable force must adhere to guidance in the Department for Education document, Advice for headteachers, staff and governing bodies: ‘Use of reasonable Force 2013’ (Appendix 8)’.