Schools Seclusion and Restraint Recording Regulations 2025: a clear UK health and safety law duty for England’s schools and what duty holders must do now

Schools Seclusion and Restraint Recording Regulations 2025: a clear UK health and safety law duty for England’s schools and what duty holders must do now

What has changed

These Regulations impose duties relating to the recording of incidents where pupils at schools in England are secluded, restrained or immobilised by members of staff, and informing parents about such incidents. The measures apply to schools in England and place duties on leadership teams, governing bodies and local authorities to ensure incidents are recorded and parents are informed promptly and accurately. The aim is to strengthen safeguarding, improve governance and promote accountability within UK health and safety law.

Why this matters

The change addresses real risks associated with improper or inconsistent handling of restrictive interventions. Clear recording creates an auditable trail that supports safeguarding governance, helps identify training needs and ensures consistency in communications with families. It aligns with broader expectations around HSE requirements and regulatory compliance in education settings, improving risk management and oversight for senior leaders and compliance professionals.

What organisations should do next

Duty holders should take practical steps to embed the Regulation into their health and safety management and safeguarding practices. Practical actions include:

• Review and update safeguarding and restraint policies to reflect the new duties on recording and parental notification
• Develop or refine incident recording procedures, including what must be recorded (date, time, context, people involved, type of restraint) and where records are stored
• Establish a standard process for informing parents, including timing, content and privacy considerations
• Provide staff with training on de‑escalation techniques, safe intervention where necessary and the new recording requirements
• Check data protection and information governance arrangements to ensure incident data is stored securely and accessed appropriately
• Assess supplier and agency staff arrangements to ensure any visits or temporary staff comply with the same duties
• Integrate the new duties with your management system, for example through alignment with ISO 45001 health and safety management
• Identify a competent person or lead for safeguarding and health and safety records to oversee compliance and continuous improvement
• Engage with staff, pupils and parents to communicate changes and gather feedback for practical implementation

For additional practical guidance on systematic control of workplace risk and legal compliance, consider resources such as ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management and health and safety risk assessments, where appropriate.

Where relevant to governance and risk management, organisations may find further support from Competent Person support and health and safety support packages or health and safety training.

Wrap‑up

The introduction of these Regulations emphasises the importance of robust recording, clear communication with guardians and consistent application across schools. Proactive implementation supports ongoing regulatory compliance, strengthens safeguarding and helps maintain a safe learning environment under UK health and safety law.