UK | NIPSO publishes overview report on restrictive practices in schools

In April 2019 the former Ombudsman Marie Anderson, undertook a strategic enquiry into the use of restrictive practices in Northern Ireland schools in light of a pattern of restrictive practice complaints received by the office, media interest of the issue across the UK and public concerns raised by other organisations including the UN.

NIPSO’s maladministration investigations have identified several recurring themes in relation to restrictive practices in schools, including a lack of appropriate records; consultation and information to parents; as well as appropriate, up-to-date policies and procedures.

NIPSO’s Own Initiative team has met with the Department of Education and welcomes its current review of restrictive practices in schools, alongside its public commitment to engaging with schools and parents as part of this review.

For more details on this investigation, please see the full report further down below.

Source: Office of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO), UK