She was speaking following the resignation of the RCN from a group of officials and organisations brought together to develop statutory guidance for schools on the use of restraint and seclusion.
In a letter to the department, they stated that the current direction of travel, “puts the RCN in the potential position of being ascribed a responsibility and accountability for a policy direction that we are unable to support.”
The Lagan Valley MLA has said: “The RCN withdrawing from this group is incredibly serious. Their letter outlined concerns as to whether the Department of Education is committed to the elimination of the use of seclusion in educational settings and the minimisation of all restrictive interventions.
“It also called into question whether the minister is going to go against a previous commitment to repeal Article 4 (1)(c) of Education (NI) Order 1998, which still allows use of force to maintain 'good order and discipline' in schools.
“We are in danger of continuing to have differing guidance within educational settings and health settings, which only creates unnecessary inconsistency. The outcome here must be clear guidance for our school staff that puts the needs of children and young people at its centre.
“The Education Minister must now urgently outline what is happening with the statutory guidance following a draft version being consulted upon back in September 2023, and restore confidence following the RCN’s withdrawal from the working group."