Physical intervention in schools: equality impact assessment

Executive summary

Background

The new guidance aims to strengthen the national policy framework around the use of physical intervention in schools, minimise the use of restraint and seclusion on children and young people and promote preventative, relationships based approaches as an alternative.

The guidance directly impacts children and young people in local authority, independent and grant-aided schools.

Scope of impact assessment

The assessment considered available evidence of the potential impact of the guidance on the protected characteristics of Age, Disability, Sex, Pregnancy and Maternity, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Race Religion or Belief and Marriage and Civil Partnership considered alongside the 3 public sector equality duties (Eliminate discrimination, Advance equality of opportunity and Foster good relations).

Findings and Conclusion

This impact assessment highlighted a risk of discriminatory practice in the use of restraint and seclusion on disabled children and young people, particularly where restraint or seclusion was used in response to distressed behaviour arising from a child or young person’s disability. Guidance is offered on this risk as a result.

The EQIA has helped to highlight areas of concern in relation to the prevalence of behaviour that carries a risk of injury and advice on how to reduce these risks has been included within the guidance.

The Scottish Government has agreed to review the impact of the guidance 1 year after publication. This review will be led by the Scottish Government with relevant partners.