Parents sue school over 'inhumane' calming rooms after BBC report
Families are suing a London special school after a BBC investigation revealed CCTV footage of autistic children being abused in 'calming rooms.' The legal claim alleges that the children were subjected to inhumane treatment and false imprisonment.
Why it matters
This case raises critical questions about the regulation of seclusion practices in special education and the protection of vulnerable children.
Image caption, The BBC investigation began after being shown footage of children in calming rooms at Whitefield School in north London
Parents are suing a special school after a BBC investigation uncovered CCTV footage showing autistic children being locked inside calming rooms and abused.
Ten families are claiming that their children – all of whom had learning disabilities or several mental disorders - were amongst those harmed by their treatment in the rooms.
A police investigation into the abuse, recorded inside the rooms at Whitefield special school in north London, ended two years ago without any charges.
The school is now run by a new trust which says the failings have led to "important learning".
Many special schools use seclusion spaces such as calming rooms outside of classrooms to address sensory needs or challenging behaviour.
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