Paula Tesoriero
Wellington, December 18, 2017
The Final Opinion released by the Ombudsman has emphasised again the need for regular monitoring of schools when it comes to the use of seclusion.
The Final Opinion, released by Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier today (December 18), outlines his investigation into the seclusion of an autistic child at Miramar Central School and the recommendations that he has made following that investigation.
Important Reminder
This follows the Final Opinion the Chief Ombudsman released last month regarding the seclusion of an autistic child at Ruru Specialist School.
While there have been changes to the Education (update) Amendment Act to prohibit the use of seclusion, the report is a significant reminder of the importance of regular monitoring of schools.
Since the cases outlined in this report were uncovered, the Ministry of Education has taken steps to address the use of seclusion in classrooms.
This has also been reinforced in legislation, with the practice now prohibited in all schools.
This is a positive outcome.
Monitoring essential
Parents need to know that issues concerning the well-being of their child in the classroom will be addressed through appropriate processes and practices.
It is vital that the Ministry and the Education Review Office are regularly monitoring Schools to ensure this is taking place.
Seclusion is never an appropriate response to issues arising from disability and the changes in legislation reflect this.
The key now is to ensure the practice does not happen again.
Paula Tesoriero is Disability Rights Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission based in Wellington.
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