Committee call for views on ‘controversial’ use of restraint in Scottish schools

MSPs on Holyrood’s Education Committee want people to get in touch with their views on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.

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A Holyrood committee is keen to hear from teachers as they consider legislation which aims to minimise the use of restraint and seclusion in Scotland’s schools.

Labour MSP Daniel Johnson has brought forward a member’s bill which, if passed, would require schools to inform parents if their child has had to be restrained or put into seclusion.

The Restrain and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill would also require schools to report annually on the use of such practices.

MSPs on the Education, Children and Young People Committee are to consider the proposals, with convener Douglas Ross saying MSPs want to understand what the implications of such changes could be.

Labour MSP Daniel Johnson has brought forward the Bill, which aims to minimise the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. PA Media

The committee has launched a call for people to get in touch with their views, giving until July 11 to respond.

Mr Ross said: “The use of restraint and seclusion has been controversial for many years.

“This Bill aims to minimise the use of restraint and seclusion and we want to understand the implications of adopting this approach on children and young people, parents and professionals.

“The committee is keen to hear from people who have views on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.

“We’re also interested in hearing from teachers, school leaders and specialists to give us a broad perspective of views on the proposals in this Bill.”