More than 200 pupils in England spent at least five consecutive days in school isolation booths last year, a BBC News investigation has found. The Children's Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, described the practice as 'distressing and degrading' and expressed concern it is being used as a gateway to excluding pupils.
One 16-year-old, Casey, said he was placed in isolation after developing fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. He claimed he spent his days copying from GCSE revision books without a teacher present. His school disputed the length of time he spent in isolation, stating he was 'regularly disruptive'.
The investigation, based on Freedom of Information requests to over 1,000 secondary schools, revealed that 225 pupils in England and one in Wales spent a full week in isolation booths as a single punishment. More than 5,000 children with special educational needs also experienced isolation rooms, with dozens having education, health and care plans for complex needs.
Isolation rooms vary from partitioned desks facing the wall to seclusion units. Some schools prevent pupils from using the playground or dining hall, and two schools included a bathroom within the facility, not allowing pupils to leave all day. One school spent over £170,000 annually on five permanently staffed isolation rooms.
Government guidance states that isolation should be used 'no longer than is necessary' and must be 'reasonable', considering factors such as special educational needs. Schools are not required to record or report isolation to parents, though many do. The Department for Education emphasised that the health, safety and welfare of pupils must always be prioritised.
