Theme 5: Restrictive Practices
Sometimes, when someone is very scared or angry, they can do things that are dangerous to themselves or others. At the time, perhaps an adult could do something to help everyone stay safe. This is called 'restrictive practices'.
School staff can only use restrictive practices as the last resort, to prevent a pupil from being hurt or to stop serious disruption.
Every school should have a clear policy on this, following the county's Policy.
We want to ensure:
That restrictive practices are only used to keep a child safe or to prevent serious harm. It should never be used to punish, control or humiliate a child.
That school staff receive training and clear rules regarding when and how to use reasonable force.
If force is used, the child must receive help and support if they have been hurt physically or mentally.
What does the Our Bravery Brought Justice report say?
(This is the report that was published following the North Wales Safeguarding Board's investigation into the former Headteacher's crimes (See full report)
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Unlawful levels of force were being used in the school in question during the former Headteacher's period.
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The former Headteacher misled school staff to think that it was acceptable to use such force.
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The former Headteacher encouraged school staff to film physical restraint on children.
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When physical restraint was used on a child, there were no arrangements in place to ensure that the child had not been hurt and to offer trauma support.
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The parents of children who had been physically restrained did not feel that their complaints were being understood or respected.
What has already been done to improve things?
- When the Education Safeguarding and Well-being Team visits schools, they always look at the school's Restrictive Practices Policy.
- Restrictive Practices training is given to staff who require it.
What will happen between January 2026 and July 2026?
Cyngor Gwynedd will...
- Review the county’s Restrictive Practices Policy and ensure that every school fully adopts this policy.
- Align the training being used by the Council's Children and Education Services in the field of restrictive practices to ensure that the same methods are being used.
Measuring impact
- That every Gwynedd schoolcomplies with the county’s Restrictive Practices Policy.
- When there are incidents of restrictive practices in a School, the Council will retain evidence that professional discussions have been held.
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