Commissioner comments on publication of Department of Education Review of Restraint and Seclusion

Welcoming the Publication of the Department of Education Review of Restraint and Seclusion, Koulla Yiasouma, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People, said:

“I am pleased to see the Review, and resulting plan for action, acknowledges the detrimental impact that restrictive practices (restraint and seclusion) can have on teaching staff; parents and carers; and most importantly the children experiencing it.  The Review takes account of many of my ‘Neither Seen Nor Heard’ report recommendations and it is welcome that it seeks to ensure a consistent child centred approach is taken across all educational settings.

“This will include legislation and guidance on the use of restrictive practices in educational settings that protects children and young people from harm and complies with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

“It recommends that out of date legislation is repealed which currently enables ‘reasonable force’ to ‘maintain good order and discipline’, that restraint is only used as a measure of last resort after other de-escalation methods are exhausted, that all instances are recorded and reported and that parents are informed.

“It makes important recommendations about enforced seclusion, chemical and mechanical restraint. The use of restrictive practices will be periodically reviewed and reported on whilst the Education Training Inspectorate will assess if its use is appropriate and within parameters set out.

“This major first step for change is because of the children, young people, parents and carers who bravely shared their experiences. I am pleased to see that they will be consulted when statutory guidance on the use of restrictive practices is developed.

“This review provided the much needed direction of travel in the final moments of the political mandate. It will act as a framework for the next one and I look forward to working to progress this and to make sure children and their parents and carers never have to experience the devastating effects of restrictive practices again.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Restraint and Seclusion (Restrictive Practices) are practices that intentionally limit a person’s freedom of movement or function. Seclusion is placing and keeping someone (alone) in a room or other space where they are unable to leave.
• You can read ‘Neither Seen Nor Heard’ here
• You can read the Department of Education Review here