Use of seclusion banned in schools for pupils with challenging behaviour

Schools under new guidance may no longer use seclusion as a way of dealing with challenging behaviour involving vulnerable students.

In addition, physical restraint is no longer permitted in schools except in a “crisis” situation where there is an imminent risk to the student or others. These include situations such as a student self-injuring by banging their head, throwing large items such as computers or furniture at peers or adults or physically attacking another person.

The new guidelines, published by the Department of Education, apply to all schools, and have been developed to address uncertainty among staff on how to respond in crisis situations.

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Published by The Irish Times, 12th December 2024