Stage 3 proceedings for the Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill concluded on 24 March 2026. Brought forward by Daniel Johnson MSP, the Bill seeks to create statutory guidance and duties relating to the use of restraint and seclusion in educational settings, protecting children and teachers alike from the negative impacts that can arise from the unnecessary, inappropriate, and unlawful use of such tactics.  

The Bill as passed reflects some of Together’s key asks, as well as recommendations from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Provisions include a regulation-making power for Scottish Ministers, which can be used to introduce a duty for education providers to report incidents of restraint or seclusion in their institutions. They also include the creation of statutory guidance, which must address the timescales, form, and content of such reports; training for school staff on the use of restraint and seclusion; and complaints processes, amongst other matters.  

The Bill was passed with 121 votes for, 0 against, and 0 abstentions. 8 MSPs did not vote.  

Together welcomes the Bill’s potential to strengthen children’s rights and acknowledges its passage as a milestone for those who have long campaigned to protect children from the trauma induced by restraint and seclusion.  

For more information visit the Scottish Parliament website  

Read the Bill as passed 

Access Together's response to the earlier consultation.