Restraint and Restrictive Practices in Early Years — CPD Training for
Group Settings and Childminders

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A practical Overview of the EYFS Updates
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Developed in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework September 2026, DfE Restrictive Interventions Guidance 2026, and Ofsted's Positive Environments Where Children Can Flourish guidance, this course applies equally to group-based providers and childminders.
  • Video time: 20 minutes 21 seconds
  • Modules: 1 extended
  • Assessments: 1 = MCQ 
  • Level: All Levels - Essential CPD

Course Modules

This course is provided in one bitesize module, designed to stop, start and revisit.
Followed by a multiple choice quiz to promote learning and understanding.
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A COMPREHENSIVE CPD COURSE ON RESTRAINT AND RESTRICTIVE PRACTICES FOR EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS

Restraint and restrictive practices in early years settings are one of the most complex and legally significant areas of safeguarding practice.
This course gives every practitioner, room leader, manager, DSL and SENDCo the knowledge, confidence and practical tools to understand what is and is not permitted, prevent restrictive practices.
Promoting positive behaviour approaches, responding correctly when physical intervention is necessary, recording and reporting accurately and in line with EYFS 2026.

Learning Outcomes 

This course supports practitioners to develop knowledge, understanding and confidence in managing restraint and restrictive practices in line with EYFS 2026.
  • define restraint and restrictive practices and identify what does and does not constitute a restrictive practice in early years
  • identify the legal and statutory framework including EYFS 2026, the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Equality Act 2010 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
  • understand what physical intervention is, when it is permitted, and when it is absolutely prohibited
  • understand the key changes introduced in the EYFS Statutory Framework September 2026
  • apply de-escalation strategies confidently before any physical intervention is considered
  • implement preventative approaches through positive behaviour frameworks, key relationships and environmental adjustments
  • understand the immediate steps required after any incident including recording, parent notification and DSL referral
  • complete accurate, factual and child-centred incident records in line with statutory requirements
  • recognise when restraint may constitute physical abuse and understand the duty to report
  • apply SEND-specific considerations including Behaviour Support Plans, reasonable adjustments and communication systems
  • understand and fulfil role-specific responsibilities as a practitioner, room leader, manager, DSL or SENDCo
  • understand what Ofsted inspectors look for in this area and how to evidence a positive, compliant safeguarding culture

Professional Benefits of Taking This Course 

This course supports meaningful and lasting improvements in safeguarding practice, policy confidence and professional accountability.
  • builds confident, legally informed practice in one of the most scrutinised areas of early years safeguarding
  • equips every role — from practitioner to manager — with clear, specific responsibilities they can act on immediately
  • reduces the risk of non-compliant or harmful practice through a strong prevention-first framework
  • strengthens safeguarding culture across the whole setting or childminding provision
  • ensures practice, policy and recording are aligned with the EYFS Statutory Framework September 2026
  • supports readiness for Ofsted or CMA inspection — including what inspectors specifically look for in this area
  • provides role-specific guidance that practitioners, room leaders, managers, DSLs and SENDCos can each apply directly
  • supports mandatory two-yearly safeguarding training requirements under EYFS 2026
  • contributes to a positive, trauma-informed environment that reduces the need for any form of restriction
  • provides a certificate of completion for CPD records and staff training evidence

Compliance & Certification 

This course supports professional practice aligned with the statutory and regulatory requirements for restraint and restrictive practices in early years.
  • aligned with the EYFS Statutory Framework for Group and School-Based Providers 2026 and the EYFS Statutory Framework for Childminders 2026
  • reflects the DfE Restrictive Interventions Guidance 2026 and Ofsted's Positive Environments Where Children Can Flourish (updated 2025)
  • supports mandatory safeguarding training requirements under EYFS 2026, including the requirement for two-yearly training for all staff
  • covers the updated harm notification threshold and DSL requirements introduced in September 2026
  • applicable to practitioners, room leaders, managers, designated safeguarding leads and SENDCos in group-based settings and childminding provisions
  • provides a certificate of completion for CPD records, Ofsted self-evaluation evidence and staff training logs
  • developed by RQF Ofqual certified early years experts with 25+ years of sector experience
  • suitable as evidence of whole-staff training in restraint and restrictive practices ahead of Ofsted or CMA inspection