Pupils: Discipline

Annette Brooke
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent action he has taken regarding the implementation of advice in circular number 10/98 on the physical restraint of pupils in certain circumstances; and if he will make as statement.

Jim Knight
DfES Circular 10/98 provides schools with practical advice on the use of force to control or restrain pupils. All schools have access to this guidance on the DfES website (at www.dfes.gov.uk/behaviourandattendance). In January we will be reminding every maintained school in England of the importance of taking account of the Department's guidance on this sensitive issue.

From 1 April 2007 the existing legislation governing use of force by school staff (section 550A of the Education Act 1996) will be replaced by section 93 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006. We will be taking this opportunity to issue enhanced guidance which, among other things, will strengthen advice on issues relating to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.