Guidance on the use of restrictive physical interventions for staff working with children and adults who display extreme behaviour in association with learning disability and/or autistic spectrum disorder
It is vitally important for all staff to have effective training and support in the use of restrictive physical interventions.
People with learning disabilities have a right to be treated with respect, care and dignity especially when they are behaving in ways which maybe harmful to themselves or others and as a result require physical intervention from staff. By using this guidance staff will be helped to act appropriately and in a safe manner, so ensuring effective responses in difficult situations.
This guidance has been developed over two years with considerable help from the health, social care and education sectors. For the first time, guidance covers all areas of service that children and adults with learning disabilities and difficulties will use throughout their lives.
Executive summary
This guidance is issued jointly by the DCSF and Department of Health. It stands as guidance under Section 7 of the Local Authority and Social Services Act 1970; and as advice to support the implementation of Section 550A of the Education Act 1996, in particular in special school settings catering for pupils with severe behavioural difficulties associated with learning difficulties and/or autistic spectrum disorders.
Although not intended to cover all forms of extreme behaviour in all settings, local authorities may wish to bring the principles set out in this guidance to the attention of mainstream schools in their areas.
Action required
Chief education officers, headteachers and staff working with children and adults who display extreme behaviour in association with learning difficulty and/or autistic spectrum disorder should note the information contained in the guidance.
Guidance available to downloadGuidance on the use of restrictive physical
interventions
The full document, available as either pdf or Word
Guidance on the use of restrictive physical
interventions for pupils with severe behavioural difficulties
These guidelines, supplementary to guidance ref: LEA/0242/2002, are intended to
provide clear, practical advice for local authorities and special schools on
drawing up policies on the use of restrictive physical interventions.
Specimen risk assessment proforma for physical
intervention
The risk assessment proforma contained within the overall guidance as a
separate document.
Last updated: 15 July 2007
