Update to the IRMS Schools Toolkit

There have been some important updates to the IRMS Schools Toolkit, reflecting new statutory duties coming into force from 1 April 2026 in relation to the recording and reporting of restrictive interventions.

The Updates:

A new guidance page on Records of Restrictive Interventions (force, seclusion and restraint), now available via the blue button menu at the top of each page:

https://irms.org.uk/schools-toolkit/records-of-restrictive-interventions/

A link added to the contents list on the welcome page for “A fact sheet about how to manage records of restrictive interventions”

A new retention period (17.13) added to the Health and Safety section:

https://irms.org.uk/schools-toolkit/retention-schedule/rs-health-and-safety/

A new retention period (21.5) added to the Pupils and Students section:

https://irms.org.uk/schools-toolkit/retention-schedule/rs-pupils-and-students/

The new guidance reflects the legal framework introduced through Department for Education statutory guidance issued under section 93A of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, and the Schools (Recording and Reporting of Seclusion and Restraint) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2025.

In particular, it clarifies the dual nature of these records as both part of the pupil’s safeguarding record and as a school-level governance record, and sets out recommended approaches to storage, transfer and retention.

Please note that the Handsam Behaviour module has been fully updated to enable recording in compliance with these requirements. [Link to story about the new guidance and ability to record on Handsam sent over earlier here]

Actions To Take

• Review and update data protection policies and retention schedules

• Ensure the new guidance and retention periods are known and are communicated to relevant staff

• Ensure recording procedures are reviewed and updated as necessary.

Should you wish to have a demonstration of the updated Handsam Behaviour module, including school/academy level and trust level reporting and dashboards, please email info@handsam.co.uk.