Type of restraint set to be banned in Scots schools
RESTRAINING pupils in a face-down prone position is set to be banned under new guidance on the use of physical intervention in schools.
The Scottish Government draft guidance also covers the use of seclusions – isolating a child away from other children. It says this practice should only be used in emergencies. Other types of restraints which cause pain have also been banned.
A consultation on the new guidance document has been launched and will run until October 25.
The guidance covers state, private and independent schools and says physical restraint and seclusions should only be a last resort.
It says: “Certain types of physical restraint carry elevated risks such as prone, supine, basket holds, neck holds and techniques that involve the use of pain.
“These should not be used as they pose a higher risk of injury to children and young people. Holding children and young people in positions where their torso is heavily bent forward and/or their joints are taken to the end of their range of movement must also be avoided.” While education guidance published in 2017 set out rules for physical intervention and seclusion, it did not mention methods like prone restraint specifically. Launching the consultation, education secretary ShirleyAnne Somerville said: “The draft guidance makes it clear that restraint and seclusion should only ever be used as a last resort and when in the best interests of the child or young person. “I would encourage anyone with an interest in this important area to give their views by taking part in the consultation. In addition to the publication of non-statutory guidance, we will explore options to strengthen the legal framework in this area.”