Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill

Overview

The Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 17 March 2025 by Daniel Johnson MSP, the Member in Charge. It aims to minimise the use of restraint and seclusion of children and young people in schools.

Purpose of the Bill 

The Bill creates duties in relation to the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.

The Scottish Government would need to issue statutory guidance to education providers about the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. Education providers would have to consider this guidance when developing or changing policies.

If the Bill is passed, schools would need to inform the parent of a child or young person subjected to restraint or seclusion about the incident and to provide details of it. This would need to be done as soon as possible, and no later than 24 hours after the occurrence of the incident.

If the Bill is passed, education providers must record all incidents of restraint or seclusion in their schools. This data must be collated and reported to the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government, in turn, must report to Parliament on this data at the end of each year.

If the Bill is passed, the Scottish Government must maintain a list of training providers on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. This should also include details of courses or programmes of such training.

Find out more about the Bill

We're particularly interested in hearing from:

• anyone who has views on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools
• teachers, school leaders and unions
• local authorities
• third sector organisations representing young people with learning disabilities and neurodivergence
• children and human rights organisations

How to submit your views

Please submit your views using the online submission form, linked to below.

We welcome written views in English, Gaelic, Scots or any other language. 

The call for views closes on 11 July 2025.