#2026/19Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Act 2026
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This law creates a framework for how Scottish schools may use restraint or seclusion with pupils. It defines restraint as staff physical contact intended to significantly restrict a pupil’s movement, and seclusion as isolating a pupil and preventing them from leaving that place. It requires Scottish Ministers to issue guidance for education providers. That guidance must cover appropriate and inappropriate practices, alternatives, prevention, safeguarding, staff training, incident recording and reporting, monitoring, inspections, legal duties, and complaints. Schools and education providers will need to align policies, training, and incident records with the new guidance.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Defines restraint and seclusion in Scottish schools
- Requires national guidance for education providers on when and how these practices may be used
- Sets expectations for prevention, safeguarding, staff training, incident recording, monitoring, inspections, and complaints
Obligations
What this law requires
Scottish Ministers must issue guidance to education providers about the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.
Scottish Ministers must ensure the guidance explains what constitutes significantly restricting physical movement for the definition of restraint.
Scottish Ministers must ensure the guidance identifies appropriate and inappropriate forms of restraint and seclusion in schools.
Scottish Ministers must ensure the guidance covers alternatives to restraint and seclusion and actions to prevent or minimise their use.
Scottish Ministers must ensure the guidance covers safeguarding matters for pupils who are subject to restraint or seclusion.