An investigation into the treatment of autistic children at a school in London has revealed shocking footage of children being restrained and confined in distressing conditions. The leaked CCTV footage showed staff at Whitefield special school using physical force to restrain children, leaving them in padded rooms for hours without food or drink.
The children’s commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, has called for an urgent review of the use of restraint and “calming rooms” after viewing the disturbing footage. She expressed her sympathy for the children and their families, stating that no child should ever be subjected to such treatment.
Although the leadership at the school has changed and calming rooms have not been used since 2017, parents of the affected children are outraged that no one has been held accountable for the abuse. The children, who have learning disabilities and severe mental disorders, were confined in seclusion rooms for extended periods of time, leading to distress and trauma.
De Souza emphasized the need for a serious case review to identify failings and ensure that children are kept safe in the future. She also stressed that restraint should only be used as a last resort to protect a child from harm, and called for clearer guidelines on its use.
The government has stated that it is considering revising guidance on removing disruptive pupils from classrooms and ensuring that facilities are suitable for their needs. The Department for Education is committed to examining the findings of the investigations and strengthening guidance on the use of force and seclusion in schools.
The National Autistic Society has highlighted the importance of providing dignity, respect, and support to autistic children in schools. They have emphasized that there is no excuse for abuse, regardless of a child’s behavior.
Flourish Learning Trust, which now runs Whitefield school, has acknowledged the mistakes of the past and expressed a commitment to working with other agencies to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The leader of Waltham Forest council has pledged to offer therapeutic support to families affected by the events at the school.
Overall, the investigation into the treatment of autistic children at Whitefield school has raised concerns about the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. It is essential that lessons are learned from this case to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in educational settings.
