New Guidance Released on Restraint in Schools

Following a recent inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) into the use of restraint in schools in England and Wales, the Department for Education has indicated that it will provide new guidance on restraint in schools. This guidance is designed to promote de-escalation practices and to make mandatory the recording of instances of physical force, with a legal obligation to inform parents when it has been used.

Concerns Over the Restraint of Children in Special Needs Settings

An article in the Guardian in September 2022 raised concerns over the restraint of children in a special needs setting while a recent investigation by the BBC’s Panorama programme highlighted the harm being inflicted on vulnerable people.

Education experts like Sir Peter Birkett — who is a member of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and the Independent Schools Council (ISC) — know that the problem is widespread. Stories are circulating regarding the restraint of children and young people in mainstream schools too, as well as those in care settings and mental health treatment units.

Reaction of the Restraint Reduction Network

The Restraint Reduction Network has welcomed the government’s confirmation of changes to guidance that relates to the use of restrictive practices in schools.

The Network is pleased that the guidance focuses on promoting de-escalating and seeking to avoid restraint before it becomes necessary. It states that the key to achieving this is ensuring staff training emphasises minimising restraint and the importance of adopting a human-rights based approach.

The Restraint Reduction Network also hopes that further clarification in connection with training expectations and requirements will be published and that this will embed an approach that consistently supports and upholds human rights in education settings.

The Stance of the Scottish Government

Currently, the Scottish Government is consulting on guidance including the recommendation that schools use certified training that complies with the RRN Training Standards. These Standards are designed to protect human rights and support minimising the use of restrictive practices.

Continuing to Spotlight Abuse

For the parent-led organisation Special Needs Jungle, it is imperative that strict procedures are in place and adhered to and that if things go wrong they are investigated independently, fairly and thoroughly. Victims and patients must be believed and provided with adequate support.

For Special Needs Jungle, continuing to spotlight abuse, however uncomfortable, is vital if mental health and wellbeing is to become a global priority for all.