Eight ACT Education and Training Directorate staff have been reprimanded over an incident that saw a boy with autism placed in a cage in a government school in Canberra, the ABC reports]( http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-26/education-directorate-staff-reprimanded-over-autism-cage-affair/6975088|target=”_blank”).
The two-by-two metre enclosure was reportedly erected in March at a cost of $5195 to act as a “withdrawal space”. It was allegedly only used once, when a 10-year-old boy with autism was placed in it to help manage his behaviour, and was pulled down after 14 days when the directorate ordered its removal.
An investigation found the school’s principal had ordered the structure’s construction. She was stood down from her role over the incident but continues working for the Education and Training Directorate in an administrative role, the ABC reports.
“There seems to be a lack of clear policy regarding the escalation of behavioural issues,” Liberal education spokesman Steve Doszpot said.
“It’s not clear what support can be provided to teachers and principals in these circumstances. My questioning related to, if those directions aren’t clear, how can other people be disciplined when directions aren’t there and the guidance isn’t there?”
The ACT Education and Training Directorate says it provides specialist resources in the areas of disability education and behaviour management to support all Canberra public school staff.
