Physical restraint
A teacher or authorised staff member may physically restrain a student if they reasonably believe the student is putting their own safety, or that of another person, at serious and imminent risk.
The restraint must be proportionate to the situation. It should be a last resort.
The Ministry of Education sets out the rules prescribing the practice and procedure in relation to physical restraint.
The rules require schools to notify the ministry of any incident of physical restraint.
Education and Training Act 2020, section 99 – Legislation website
Support for schools to manage challenging student behaviour – Ministry of Education
Changes to physical restraint – Teaching Council
Update: August 2020
