Children in Care: Restraint Techniques

(asked on 20th July 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Berridge on 13th July (HL1530, HL1531 and HL1532), why they do not collect data on the use of handcuffs on looked after children; whether the regulations cited apply to those transporting looked after children from one location to another; what specific steps are taken during Ofsted inspections to assess compliance with the regulations both (1) in children’s homes, and (2) in transport between locations; and whether they intend to review the policy and its practical implementation in these areas.


Answered by
Baroness Berridge Portrait
Baroness Berridge
This question was answered on 26th July 2021

Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and accompanying statutory guidance, ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations including the quality standards’, include provisions around behaviour and restraint. Responsibility for the welfare of children while transported, including from one location to another, from a secure children’s home is noted in the protection of children quality standard, Regulation 12. The registered person and local authority overall have a responsibility to ensure that children are kept safe, and their welfare promoted.

All incidents of restraint when a young person is cared for by a children’s home must be recorded and made available to Ofsted during an inspection. If transportation is arranged by the local authority who has responsibility for the child, then the care of the child would fall to them. Where local authorities have contract arrangements with transport services, restraint should only be used in very limited circumstances, in accordance with government guidance on the use of restraint, and must always be necessary and proportionate.

During all inspections of children’s homes, inspectors assess all incidents of restraint. Where a provider has restrained a child in a way that does not comply with the regulations, Ofsted will take action. This can include suspension of a service if they believe that children are at risk due to the inappropriate use of restraint or restrictive practices.

Data is not collected by the Department for Education on the use of restraint. This is collected by Ofsted.

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