Education Secretary ‘carefully’ considering Bill to prevent restraint in schools

A minister says the government is “carefully” considering an MSP’s Bill which seeks to prevent the use of physical restraint and seclusion in Scottish schools.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said guidance from the government on the use of restraint in schools, published last week, reaffirmed the government’s position on the matter.

Labour MSP Daniel Johnson’s proposed Bill is being referred to as Calum’s law, named after Calum Morrison, who has epilepsy and learning difficulties and is autistic.

He was left traumatised after he was restrained in school at the age of 11.

On Tuesday, Conservative MSP Roz McCall asked the government about comments from the Children and Young People’s Commissioner – who had called for the protection of young people to be placed on a legal footing.

Ms Gilruth said restraint should only be used as a “last resort” in schools and the government had consulted widely before publishing its recent guidance.

A review of this will be carried out before autumn 2025, she said.

The NASUWT teaching union said last week that the new document lacks practical guidance on when and how teachers can use restraint on pupils.

She said: “I also recognise there have been calls for further legislation and we are exploring further options to strengthen the legal framework for schools

“This includes my engagement with Daniel Johnson MSP’s Members’ Bill which I will consider carefully and respond to accordingly.”

Mr Johnson asked the Education Secretary if she agreed on the importance of comprehensive recording of restraint incidents in schools, with Ms Gilruth saying she recognises the issue and pledging to continue working with him.