Rules for minimising physical restraint

Schools and kura should be places where the uniqueness and diversity of all ākonga | students is nurtured and valued.

That is why we have rules and guidelines to help schools minimise restraint. The guidelines support an understanding of student distress and how to prevent and respond to situations.

The rules and guidelines are not for use in early learning services.

Physical restraint, in relation to a student, means to use physical force to prevent, restrict, or subdue the movement of a student (or any part of their body) against their will.

Teacher training

All teachers and staff who work with students complete a mandatory learning module about the rules and guidelines.

The use of physical restraint

Physical restraint can only be used if all 3 of the following conditions are met:

1. The physical restraint is necessary to prevent imminent harm, including significant emotional distress, to the student or another person.
2. The teacher or authorised staff member believes there is no other option available in the circumstances for preventing the harm.
3. The physical restraint is reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.

Examples of situations where it may be appropriate to use physical restraint include stopping a student from injuring others or preventing a student from running onto a road or somewhere unsafe.

If physical restraint is used on your child

If physical restraint is used, the school must notify you as a parent or caregiver.

The school must:

• notify you as soon as possible after physical restraint has been used
• provide you with an opportunity to actively participate in a debrief session to discuss
• complete an online incident report so the Ministry of Education can respond to see if the school needs additional help.

Support plans for students

It is the school’s responsibility to work with you to understand and develop strategies to prevent and respond to your child or young person’s distress.

Sometimes schools may need to develop an individual support plan with you if there is a higher risk of having physical restraint used on your child. This could be because an incident has already occurred.

Support plans are worked out together with you, your child's teachers and staff. They are tailored to your child's needs and aimed at keeping them safe. Physical restraint may be needed as part of this plan.

When developing a support plan, your school might discuss:

• what motivates, engages and helps their learning
• what can get in the way of their learning and any changes needed
• how teachers and staff can settle and calm the situation when your child is distressed.

Parents and caregivers must provide consent if physical restraint is included in a support plan.

How to raise concerns

All schools have a policy on reducing student distress and the use of physical restraint. This policy includes a process for managing any complaints.

If you are unhappy with how restraint has been used and wish to raise your concerns, talk to the school or look for their complaints process on their website. You can also contact your nearest regional Ministry office.

Regional offices

If you're unhappy about the way we handle your complaint, there are independent organisations you can speak to about your concerns.

Complaints options independent of the Ministry