Restrictive Practices
The Restrictive Practices policy is not in force and the following content is subject to change.
- On 31 July 2024, the NSW Government released its response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
- The NSW Government response was led by the Department of Communities and Justice in collaboration with other NSW Government agencies as well as people living with disability.
- The NSW Government response states that the introduction of legal frameworks for the authorisation, review and oversight of restrictive practices is subject to further consideration with work to be led by the Department of Communities and Justice.
- The department remains committed to the national goal of reducing and eliminating the unnecessary or inappropriate use of restrictive practices in our schools.
Until then, we ask schools show their usual care by continuing to:
- ensure that prohibited practices are not used. These are practices that are already not allowed under existing policy and legislative obligations.
- act in line with duty of care to keep students and staff safe.
- undertake planning to meet the individual health, safety and wellbeing needs of students, and consult with parents/carers wherever possible.
- follow existing health care procedures when planning to use prescribed medications during school hours.
- follow existing departmental policies when responding to incidents that impact the health, safety and/or wellbeing of students and staff.
A restrictive practice is any action that has the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person, with the primary purpose of protecting the person or others from harm.
Students may need different types of intervention or support to best meet their needs. This may also include the use of restrictive practices, however, when this is discussed and a plan is agreed in advance, the rights, safety and freedom of students is protected, as well as the safety of staff and other students.
Safety and respect
The safety of every child and young person in our schools is our top priority. When a student feels safe they are free to achieve the most out of life at school.
Ensuring the safety of every student, teacher and staff member while respecting the rights or freedom of movement of students requires a balanced approach and clear communication with the students and parents/carers concerned.
The informed and principle-based use of restrictive practices means that restrictive practices are used safely and effectively, and it is clear which practices are never permitted in our schools.
The NSW Government has committed to the national goal of reducing and eliminating the use of restrictive practices. This includes making it clear that some prohibitive practices should never be used with students.
Frequently asked questions
Sometimes, to help keep a child or young person healthy and safe at school, we need to limit or restrict some of their actions. These limits are called restrictive practices. In our schools, restrictive practices include anything we do to keep someone safe that also restricts a child or young person’s rights or freedom of movement.
These practices can only be used if they have been recommended or prescribed by doctors or specialist allied health professionals, unless it is an emergency or crisis.
When used in the right way, restrictive practices can support students to access and engage in their learning and make school safer for the student and others.
If your child needs a restrictive practice to keep them healthy and safe at school, school staff will work together with you and your child to understand their needs and plan how the school will meet those needs.
You will need to provide information about any restrictive practice that has been recommended or prescribed. This could include a letter from a doctor, a report from a relevant professional like an occupational therapist or psychologist, or important information about how to use a restrictive practice safely.
The school will keep detailed records of the planning process, the planned restrictive practice, the evidence you provided, and your consent to the use of a restrictive practice.
The approach for supporting your child will be reviewed regularly by the school, in consultation with you. The school will work with you to adjust plans to continue meeting your child’s needs over time.