The Whitefield School in London, whose pupils include a large number of autistic students, is under fire for serious allegations of abuse and mistreatment. An investigation by the BBC revealed troubling practices, including the use of Rhino pads—typically associated with rugby training—to restrain students. One surprise in the report was the repeated use of calming rooms throughout the school. Despite their success, Ofsted closed them down in 2017 for fear that they were being misused.
The BBC’s recent investigation into men’s violence against women uncovered some truly appalling incidents. Pupils were physically restrained in calming rooms and even pinned to the ground at times. When researchers combed through CCTV footage, they uncovered an astonishing 550 hours of recordings. These video clips, depicting students being restrained and locked in seclusion rooms, led to outrage from parents and civil rights advocates alike.
In response to increasing concerns, the Metropolitan Police initiated an investigation into the staff at Whitefield School. Later they made a stunning decision to charge no one. This result has stoked the anger of parents who believe their children’s safety has been endangered.
After visiting Whitefield School, the British Institute of Learning Disabilities warned that restrictive practices, including seclusion, are hazardous and lethal. Meanwhile, the government is currently consulting on the use of force and restrictive interventions in schools, a move that many hope will lead to enhanced regulations in this sensitive area.
The federal government is currently undertaking extensive consultations. At the same time, Waltham Forest Council is pursuing its own investigation into the use of seclusion at Whitefield School. At least some scrutiny around these practices is on the rise. Across the UK, schools do not have to tell either their parents or their child when they are put in seclusion by law.
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation campaigns strongly for the rights of people with challenging behaviours. They have repeatedly called for an all-out ban on seclusion rooms. In response to this proposal, Gemma Grant from the foundation denounced these classrooms as “cruel and anachronistic.” She stressed that these practices do not ensure a safe learning environment.
As a concerned parent, Zoe couldn’t believe that we are allowing children to be treated like this in detention centers and other facilities.
“This is a child and these are five grown adults in a school where he’s supposed to be safe,” – Zoe
Most parents would agree with her concerns. They’re tired of the combativeness and they know their children deserve a supportive nurturing environment, not one that puts them in harm’s way or invalidates their existence. Maria, another parent, articulated her frustration with the authorities’ inaction:
“Anything that happens to any other child or young person since they said that is on them – as their inaction makes them culpable.” – Maria
Get an inside look as experts discuss the inappropriate use of restraint in schools. This is important context for the intense scrutiny now being brought to bear on Whitefield School’s practices. Eric Baskind, an expert on the appropriate use of force and former governor of special schools, recalled a different case involving Springwell Leeds Academy North. In this instance, staff physically detained a student for nearly an hour. He deemed the restraint employed as “too brutal, unnecessary and, in my view, unlawful.” The leadership of Springwell Leeds Academy vigorously justified their procedures. In response, they claimed that a dozen investigations cleared staff of any wrongdoing and dismissed expert critiques as mere differences of opinion.
Lingering problems at Whitefield School raise grave issues. It raises an important question about whether the federal regulations currently governing seclusion and restraint in schools go far enough. As investigations continue and advocacy groups push for reform, the safety and well-being of vulnerable students remain at the forefront of public concern.
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