Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Condemns Autistic Child Abuse Case at Whitefield School

The prime minister’s spokesperson stated that the mistreatment of autistic children at Whitefield School in Walthamstow, east London, was “horrendous” and “must never happen again”. This statement followed the BBC’s acquisition of video evidence showing students at the institution being forced into padded rooms, pushed onto the ground, or abandoned, sometimes in their own vomit. In response to the videos, Downing Street indicated that the education department is reviewing and aiming to reinforce the guidelines concerning the application of seclusion in specialist educational establishments, promising to release further details “as soon as possible”. The government’s existing guidance permits schools to place disruptive students in seclusion or isolation rooms for a defined duration. It further stipulates that schools must guarantee children are “kept in seclusion or isolation no longer than is necessary and that their time spent there is used as constructively as possible”. Following the BBC’s disclosures, Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, has urged a review “without delay” into the practice of restraint and the use of what are termed “calming rooms”. In a formal statement, she characterized the children’s experiences as “absolutely appalling”, asserting that “no child should ever be physically restrained under such conditions and with such a lack of compassion, especially those who are so vulnerable”. She further specified that restraint should only be employed when “essential to keep a child safe”, and then “for the shortest time possible”. A police inquiry commenced after personnel at Whitefield School found a container of USB memory sticks holding 500 hours of CCTV footage recorded within the padded room from 2014 to 2017. This investigation concluded earlier in the current year, resulting in no charges. Approximately 40 children, who had learning disabilities and severe mental disorders, were kept in these rooms for extended periods, usually without access to food or drink. The BBC has received consent from six families of the affected children to broadcast the footage. The videos depict the children experiencing extreme distress, with numerous instances of self-harm observed. Elizabeth Swan, a safeguarding expert, commented that it was “easily the worst footage” she had ever witnessed. She further elaborated, “You look at the children and they’re being defeated and responding to that treatment with self-injurious behaviour, it’s torture.” Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the Conservative Member of Parliament for the school’s constituency, stated that the “jaw-dropping” footage ought to instigate “profound change”. When questioned about the video evidence, the prime minister’s spokesperson remarked: “The department is looking at the guidance in this space but it is clearly a horrendous case.” They added, “We are clear that this cannot and should not have happened and should not happen again.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.