Schools secluding students have been asked to stop the practice immediately and to report any previous use of seclusion to their board of trustees and Director of Education their region. The Ministry is supporting schools which have used seclusion in the past to explore other options so that the use of seclusion ceases with immediate effect.
Schools should also contact the Ministry of Education for advice and support if a situation requires the use of physical restraint. restraint.
Time out is still an acceptable way to manage student behaviour.
Survey of schools who reported they used seclusion practices in 2016
The Ministry of Education recently completed a survey on the use of seclusion in New Zealand schools. The below Education Report outlines the process undertaken to compile the list of schools and details the findings.
Following the completion of this survey, the Ministry has worked intensively with a very small proportion of schools to change their practice. A total of 17 out of 2529 schools reported using seclusion in 2016 – all have now stopped.
Guidance for New Zealand Schools on Behaviour Management to Minimise Physical Restraint
This guidance will help schools use positive strategies for managing student behaviour. It focuses on preventative and de-escalation techniques with the priority on the wellbeing and safety of both staff and students. It has been developed by a cross-sector advisory group.
- Go to
Downloadthe Support for schools to minimise physical restraint page to download the Guidance .Guidance for New Zealand schools on behaviour management to minimise physical restraint Reporting templates for physical restraint for use in conjunction with the Guidance for New Zealand schools on behaviour management to minimise physical restraint.- Letter to schools from The Secretary of Education regarding the use of Seclusion
A powerpoint presentation for Guidance for NZ schools on Behaviour Management to Minimise Physical Restraint is available for school leaders to utilise. Please contact your local office for a copy to be sent to you.
Training
Understanding Behaviour – Responding Safely is a training package for schools focussing on preventative and de-escalation techniques. It includes a full-day workshop for all staff and ongoing support afterwards. The training can be delivered in modules rather than a full day if this is a better option for your school. Contact your regional Director of Education for further details