To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the implementation of the recommendations from the Review of the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Educational Settings.

The Review of the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Educational Settings made six recommendations.

In terms of recommendation 1, I plan to consider this matter further with my officials before determining the appropriate next steps.

Recommendations 2, 3 and 5 relate to the publication of statutory guidance on the use of restrictive and supportive practices in educational settings. Department of Education officials engaged with a wide range of stakeholders to co-design draft statutory guidance in accordance with the report recommendations, and a public consultation on the draft guidance ran from 5th September to 10th November 2023. The responses to the consultation are currently being analysed. Subject to my approval, the consultation report will be published on the Departmental website in due course and I will consider the next steps to be taken thereafter.

On recommendation 4, officials continue to work with Health colleagues to develop regional guidance on pupils’ medication and healthcare needs including the use of equipment in educational settings. It is anticipated that guidance in relation to medication needs will be ready for publication during summer term.

Recommendation 6, which relates to the Department commissioning a periodic review and publishing a report on the use of restrictive and supportive practices in educational settings, can only be progressed once the statutory guidance is in place.