Fórsa has highlighted the need for the education department to put safety first when drawing up guidelines for managing challenging behaviour in classrooms.

The union says all staff – including SNAs and school secretaries – require training in any new measures, and says the health and safety of workers needs to be addressed.

A Department of Education and Science consultation about proposed new guidelines is currently underway. It’s looking at a range of issues including the legal limits of necessary restraint and the potential use of seclusion to de-escalate crisis situations.

The guidance will be applicable to all students.