The Lagan Valley MLA was speaking following a meeting of the Education Committee yesterday (21 May), where further evidence on the use of restrictive practices in education was discussed.
The Lagan Valley MLA said: “The Department of Education undertook a strategic review of restrictive practices in education back in 2023, and the then Minister endorsed six recommendations from that work. This included repealing the draconian Article 4(1)(c), which enables force to be used to maintain ‘good order and discipline’ in educational settings.
“Despite this, the current Minister has repeatedly refused to commit to these recommendations.
“A law that enables the use of force to maintain discipline in education clearly has no place in 2025, and is at complete odds with the current guidance around restrictive practices.
“At the centre of this are pupils and school staff, and we must do all we can to prevent harm to young people and ensure that no other children endure what Harry Shakespeare and others did.
“We need to give clear assurances to school leaders and staff who are calling out for clarity. Currently, education staff and health staff are working with two different sets of guidelines regarding the use of restrictive practices. This situation is completely unacceptable and unsustainable, particularly since health staff are present in schools every day.
“There is no doubt that this is a complicated issue and it needs careful consideration, but the Minister can’t continue to do nothing. Legislative reform to update the use of restrictive practices in education is needed now. Harry’s Law needs to be brought forward.”
The Lagan Valley MLA said: “The Department of Education undertook a strategic review of restrictive practices in education back in 2023, and the then Minister endorsed six recommendations from that work. This included repealing the draconian Article 4(1)(c), which enables force to be used to maintain ‘good order and discipline’ in educational settings.
“Despite this, the current Minister has repeatedly refused to commit to these recommendations.
“A law that enables the use of force to maintain discipline in education clearly has no place in 2025, and is at complete odds with the current guidance around restrictive practices.
“At the centre of this are pupils and school staff, and we must do all we can to prevent harm to young people and ensure that no other children endure what Harry Shakespeare and others did.
“We need to give clear assurances to school leaders and staff who are calling out for clarity. Currently, education staff and health staff are working with two different sets of guidelines regarding the use of restrictive practices. This situation is completely unacceptable and unsustainable, particularly since health staff are present in schools every day.
“There is no doubt that this is a complicated issue and it needs careful consideration, but the Minister can’t continue to do nothing. Legislative reform to update the use of restrictive practices in education is needed now. Harry’s Law needs to be brought forward.”