Seclusion and restraint must be better regulated in schools.
That’s the view of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), in Northern Ireland.
BASW policy officer Andy McClengahan has made the case for better regulation to the Northern Ireland Assembly’s education committee.
Andy McClengahan of BASW wants rules on restraining and secluding children tightened up
He told the committee that mandatory training is needed for everyone working with special needs children.
Damaging effects
McClenaghan said BASW recognised the “damaging physical, psychological and emotional effects” of restraint and seclusion.
He said existing guidance focuses on maintaining discipline, rather than meeting children’s needs.
McClenaghan called for a “therapeutic” approach, based on “positive behaviour support”.
BASW Northern Ireland opposes secluding children by isolating them in rooms where staff prevent them from leaving.
But the organisation says it is not against quiet spaces where children can go “in an emergency for the prevention of harm”.
Fight for tougher rules
Mum Deidre Shakespeare is leading the fight for tougher rules in Northern Ireland.
Shakespeare, from County Tyrone, is campaigning for “Harry’s Law”.
She said that nine-year-old son Harry was strapped to a chair at Knockavoe School & Resource Centre, in Strabane.
Harry, who has autism, has since left the school and his case is the subject of a potential legal dispute.
On Twitter, Shakespeare wrote that there was a need for legislation to “safeguard and protect vulnerable children”.
She said Harry’s Law would protect all children. It would involve recording and documenting incidents.
Calls all over UK for reduction in restraint and seclusion
All over the UK, parents have led calls for a reduction in restraint and seclusion.
Last year, Scottish campaigner Beth Morrison said 682 UK families with special needs children had contacted her. They all said that schools had subjected their children to restraint or seclusion.
A spokesperson for Northern Ireland’s Department of Education said it had set up a working group to look at seclusion and restraint and make recommendations.
Related:
- School pupils ‘suffer broken bones’
- Mum in court move over school restraint
- Legal plan to protect our schoolchildren
- Nine in ten disabled children restrained
- Protest at chill-out room reforms
- Scots take seclusion fight to parliament
- Dad demands tougher laws on restraint
- Mum reports school for restraining son
Published: 14 December 2020
