Education Minister Paul Givan launched a public consultation on draft guidance for restrictive interventions in Northern Ireland schools. The guidance covers restraint and seclusion as last-resort measures.

The framework requires interventions to be lawful, proportionate, and trauma-informed, centred on the child's needs. Schools must record and report all serious incidents, including every seclusion case, to enhance oversight.

Givan stated the guidance aims to reduce these interventions to protect vulnerable pupils while remaining practical for schools. He noted it supports positive methods for pupil learning.

The minister called the consultation key to safeguarding children and providing rights-based direction for education settings. He urged responses from those involved in children's education and wellbeing.

The consultation ends on 4 June 2026. Documents and details of online events appear on the Department of Education website.