BBC’s Don’t Exclude Me (pt 2): Resorting to restraint shows desperate need for better SEND training

By Tania Tirraoro   Speciial Needs Jungle

Last week on SNJ, parent of autistic children and ... Joanne Lewis wrote about her reactions to the first of the BBC's "Don't Exclude Me" series. Her thoughts were shared by many of you

"The BBC and Marie Gentles should hang their heads in shame,it was clear these kids had SEND yet treated purely under the guise of discipline.

The poor kid getting pinned down when they clearly needed space was nothing short of abuse, heartbreaking. Pure discrimination against people who clearly have a disability."

Parent comment of Special needs Jungle Facebook page

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"In 2018 a judge in a case involving an autistic boy ruled that autistic children do not have a choice in regards to aggressive behaviour and his exclusion was unlawful.

To most SEND parents and professionals it seems entirely obvious that there would be fewer exclusions if the authorities assessed children and worked out what unmet needs were causing the behaviours.

If they were to admit that the true cause of the behaviour is actually failures in provision because a one size fits all was never going to work and isn’t working then they’d have to address the issue.

That of course would mean admitting that they can’t in many cases resource meaningful inclusion and that for many mainstream education in this country is discriminatory."

Parent on Special Needs Jungle Facebook page

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The 2019 Government Paper, Reducing the Need for Restraint and Restrictive Intervention states the following:

Every child and young person has a right to be treated with respect and dignity, and deserves to have their needs recognised and be given the right support.

We know that use of restraint and restrictive intervention can have long-term consequences on the health and wellbeing of children and young people.

At any particular time, the key question for everyone involved with children and young people whose behaviour challenges should be: What is in the best interests of the child and/or those around them in view of the risks presented?

Restrictive intervention should only be used when absolutely necessary. Wherever possible, it should be avoided; and proactive, preventative, non-restrictive approaches adopted in respect of the behaviour that challenges.