MSPs back Bill to minimise use of restraint and seclusion in schools

MSPs have unanimously voted to back proposals to minimise the use of restraint and seclusion in Scotland’s schools.

Labour MSP Daniel Johnson proposed the Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Bill which aims to make the use of restraint and seclusion of children and young people in schools a last resort.

The work of individual campaigners and parents Beth Morrison and Kate Sanger was praised by MSPs in the chamber.

Ms Sanger has been campaigning on the issue for more than a decade, along with fellow parent Ms Morrison.

Ms Morrison’s son was restrained at school in 2010, leaving him “traumatised” and with more than 60 bruises on his body.

Mr Johnson said: “The greatest acknowledgement really must go to Beth Morrison, her tireless campaigning on this issue began when her son Callum returned home in 2010 covered In bruises.

“He had been pinned down by four adults face down in a prone restraint simply because he did not want to get off a bike. In 2015 she lodged a petition urging Parliament to create Callum’s law to deal with this issue.

“In 2022 when Beth asked me if I would take this proposal forward I was pleased to because I knew Beth and Callum’s experiences were not isolated.”

The Bill would make sure legal guidelines are followed in circumstances where restraint and seclusion must be used.

This includes informing parents or carers if their child is subject to restraint and seclusion.

Mr Johnson continued that the Bill would aim to “create a duty” on schools to inform parents in cases of restraint.

He added: “We simply have to end the anguish and frustration experienced by so many parents faced by this situation.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth also praised Ms Morrison, who was listening in to the debate with her son Callum, and Ms Sanger for their efforts towards the Bill.

She said: “Beth Morrison and Kate Sanger are to be applauded for their tenacious efforts in driving the changes which come before Parliament today, and I am very pleased that Beth and her son Callum, are with us in Parliament today, and I look forward to meeting with them again following today’s debate.”

Ms Gilruth pointed to guidance published in 2024 and made clear that the Scottish Government believes restraint and seclusion should be used “as a last resort”.

She said: “The Government is clear that restraint and seclusion should only ever be used as a last resort to prevent injury, and as members will be aware, we published our non statutory guidance for schools on physical intervention in November 2024 which reinforces that position.”