Inclusion Ireland, a support group for people with intellectual disabilities, has called for the introduction of official rules regarding the use of ‘seclusion rooms’, where young schoolchildren with behavioural issues are placed ‘as a last resort’.
According to the Irish Times, the Department of Education does not require schools to record data on the use of these rooms, which has led to a number of incidents where they were used inappropriately.
Inclusion Ireland's chief executive, Paddy Connolly, said that parents have raised concern and reported incidents where their children were placed in seclusion for minor behavioural issues and for prolonged periods.
“The use of seclusion and restraint should not be tolerated in Irish schools. Every effort must be made to eliminate the use of such practices,” said Mr Connolly.
He added: “To enable this, there must be adequate numbers of staff in each class trained in positive behaviour strategies and crisis management. This training prevents minor issues from escalating.”
