Restraint and Seclusion

Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill

The Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill is a proposed new law designed to make schools safer for our children. 

Its main goal is to ensure that restraining or secluding children is only as a last resort to keep people safe. If this law is passed, schools would have to record every incident of restraint or seclusion, train staff properly on how to avoid these situations, and, crucially, tell parents or carers immediately if their child has been restrained or secluded. 

Right now, the Bill is at Stage 2 of the parliamentary process, which means the Scottish Parliament has agreed to the general idea and is now looking at the specific details to make sure the final law works effectively. 

The Bill and Accompanying Documents

You can vist the Scottish Parliament website to find a copy of the draft law (the Bill), and other documents called Explanatory Notes and the Policy Memorandum. 

The Explanatory Notes will explain what the Bill does, and the Policy Memorandum explains why the Bill is being proposed.

There is also a research document which gives you further background.