Restraint in schools not logged

The use of restraint and seclusion in schools is largely unmonitored by local authorities, an investigation has indicated.

A report published by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland (CYPCS) suggests it is impossible to know with any certainty how many incidents take place each year, which children are most affected, how frequently and how seriously. The investigation required all 32 local authorities to provide the CYPCS with copies of their policy documents and recording forms governing restraint and seclusion.

However, four local authorities did not have policies in place when required to produce them. The report defines restraint as “holding a child or young person to restrict their movement”, which includes restraints such as wheelchair straps. The Scottish Government has been told to produce a policy.