Schools are converting toilet blocks and classrooms to build isolation booths to accommodate “disruptive” children, the children’s commissioner has said, as campaigners warn that excessive use of the practice could be putting young people’s mental health at risk. Pupils told her they had been put in isolation over minor uniform breaches or the wrong hairstyle. It works because it’s fair and because everyone understands it.”In an interview with the Guardian, Longfield said: “I get lots of anecdotal evidence, lots of kids and some parents, telling me about the awful experience they have had in isolation and isolation booths. John Procter of Corporate Office Furniture, which sells isolation booths, said about 50 schools had acquired units from him over the last five years. “Often parents, especially those with children with special educational needs, will talk to me about how their children are always being put in isolation booths.

Source: The Guardian January 17, 2020 17:01 UTC