Consultation launched on guidance for educational settings on the use of restrictive interventions
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has today launched a public consultation on draft guidance relating to the use of restrictive interventions in educational settings across Northern Ireland.
Education Minister Paul Givan has today launched a public consultation on draft guidance relating to the use of restrictive interventions in educational settings across Northern Ireland.
The draft guidance aims to reduce the use of restrictive interventions, including restraint and seclusion, ensuring they are used only when necessary, in a manner that is lawful, proportionate, trauma-informed and centred on the needs of the child.
Paul Givan said:
"This is a sensitive and complex issue, and one where people hold strong and differing views. The draft guidance provides clear, strengthened direction on when and how restrictive interventions may be used, with the overarching aim of reducing and minimising their use to protect and safeguard our most vulnerable learners.
"The guidance has been designed to be deliverable in our schools and does not undermine the positive, supportive approaches that help children access learning every day. It also introduces clearer requirements for recording and reporting serious incidents, including all uses of seclusion, to strengthen oversight and governance across educational settings.”
The Minister continued:
"This consultation is an important step in ensuring that children and young people are properly safeguarded and that educational settings have clear, consistent and rights-based guidance to support them.
“I encourage everyone with an interest in children’s education and wellbeing to respond. Your feedback will play a crucial role in ensuring the final guidance is robust, practical and reflective of the needs and rights of learners.”
The consultation closes on 4 June 2026. Consultation documentation, including the draft ‘Restrictive Interventions: Guidance for educational settings’, is available on the Department’s website – https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/restrictive-interventions-guidance-educational-settings, where details of online public consultation events will also be published in due course.
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