Restraint and Use of Force
In the light of recent changes in legislation there needs to be clarity as to what is and is not appropriate. In general the use of any physical force (or indeed any physical contact) by a member of staff on a pupil would be entirely inappropriate. However, if the member of staff believes that a pupil is behaving or is about to behave in a way that is likely to cause harm to the pupil themselves or to others then it is appropriate to use the minimum amount of restraint or force needed to prevent such behaviour. In any such case it is essential that the Deputy Headmaster is informed immediately after the incident.
The member of staff who intervened should provide the Deputy Headmaster (or, in his absence, the Head of Upper School) with a written and signed account, counter-signed by a witness.
Updated: May 2008
