Two special schools, and an unknown number of mainstream schools, are continuing to use seclusion rooms, despite the Education Minister’s recent moves to outlaw them, the Green Party said today.
The Green Party has obtained answers to written Parliamentary questions which show that two special schools are continuing to use seclusion rooms.
“For the welfare of the children at those schools, I am calling on Hekia Parata to immediately decommission all seclusion rooms,” Green Party education spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said today.
“After all of the public outcry over this issue, it defies belief that, there are still kids being held in seclusion rooms in schools in New Zealand.
“The Minister herself has described seclusions rooms as being "absolutely intolerable” so why is she still allowing schools to use them?
“The Minister was forced to announce this week that she would outlaw seclusions rooms in due course, but for the children who are continuing to be put in these rooms, that’s not soon enough.
“The Minister has so far refused to reveal exactly how many schools around the country are using seclusion rooms, only how many special schools are.
“The parents of children in mainstream schools deserve to know whether their child’s school uses seclusion rooms or not – when will Minister Parata provide that assurance?
“My Select Committee inquiry into dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism spectrum disorders in schools, due to report back very soon, has consistently heard for the need for greater resources and support for children with high learning needs.
“The Government needs to commit to supporting children getting the education they are entitled to, with all learning styles recognised and encouraged,” Ms Delahunty said.
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