Becky Gillespie
@icarsbecky.bsky.social
ICARS Team - UK Lead (International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion)
Pinned
Part 2 from The i Paper: "Pupils traumatised by restraint in schools failed by ‘wishy-washy’ guidance." @kijcooper1973.bsky.social @inews.co.uk
inews.co.uk/news/education/pupils-traumatised-by-restraint-in-schools-failed-by-wishy-washy-guidance-3462038
inews.co.uk/news/education/pupils-traumatised-by-restraint-in-schools-failed-by-wishy-washy-guidance-3462038
Pupils traumatised by restraint in schools failed by 'wishy washy' guidance
Campaigners have 'lost faith' with DfE after revised teacher guidelines are hit by years of delay, false starts and a suggestion that restraint in schools is 'rare'
inews.co.uk
Huge thanks to @kijcooper1973.bsky.social and @inews.co.uk for exposing the lack of meaningful, timely action by the Department for Education to protect disabled children in our schools from unnecessary harm. @teamlabouruk.bsky.social
"The UK placed 37th out of 38 OECD countries on this measure"
"The UK's position on children's wellbeing is 'dreadful'. Why is the data on this receiving so little media attention?"
Brief open access piece on this here: educationuncovered.co.uk/analysis/mor...
and here:
substack.com/@warwickmans...
Brief open access piece on this here: educationuncovered.co.uk/analysis/mor...
and here:
substack.com/@warwickmans...
September 19, 2025 at 10:16 AM
"The UK placed 37th out of 38 OECD countries on this measure"
@droliverlewis.bsky.social @caoilfhionn.bsky.social @jentwright.bsky.social @oliverconway.bsky.social
The children have spoken.
England's children are telling the world what happened to them. It’s time England's lawmakers started listening and acting. #AgainstRestraint
England's children are telling the world what happened to them. It’s time England's lawmakers started listening and acting. #AgainstRestraint
Vulnerable children have been left with “terrible” injuries and trauma because of their treatment by staff at a taxpayer-funded private special school, The i Paper has been told
🔴 @KeithCooper1973 reports trib.al/wEssfQZ
🔴 @KeithCooper1973 reports trib.al/wEssfQZ
August 12, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
The children have spoken.
England's children are telling the world what happened to them. It’s time England's lawmakers started listening and acting. #AgainstRestraint
England's children are telling the world what happened to them. It’s time England's lawmakers started listening and acting. #AgainstRestraint
Vulnerable children have been left with “terrible” injuries and trauma because of their treatment by staff at a taxpayer-funded private special school, The i Paper has been told
🔴 @KeithCooper1973 reports trib.al/wEssfQZ
🔴 @KeithCooper1973 reports trib.al/wEssfQZ
August 12, 2025 at 10:28 AM
The children have spoken.
England's children are telling the world what happened to them. It’s time England's lawmakers started listening and acting. #AgainstRestraint
England's children are telling the world what happened to them. It’s time England's lawmakers started listening and acting. #AgainstRestraint
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
Vulnerable children have been left with “terrible” injuries and trauma because of their treatment by staff at a taxpayer-funded private special school, The i Paper has been told
🔴 @KeithCooper1973 reports trib.al/wEssfQZ
🔴 @KeithCooper1973 reports trib.al/wEssfQZ
August 12, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Vulnerable children have been left with “terrible” injuries and trauma because of their treatment by staff at a taxpayer-funded private special school, The i Paper has been told
🔴 @KeithCooper1973 reports trib.al/wEssfQZ
🔴 @KeithCooper1973 reports trib.al/wEssfQZ
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
Tonight at 9pm on Channel 4, Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution airs — and I’m so proud to have been featured.
As someone with dyslexia, it means the world to see
Jamie Oliver championing this issue. Please tune in and be part of the revolution. #DyslexiaRevolution #ComeOnBridget
As someone with dyslexia, it means the world to see
Jamie Oliver championing this issue. Please tune in and be part of the revolution. #DyslexiaRevolution #ComeOnBridget
June 9, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Tonight at 9pm on Channel 4, Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution airs — and I’m so proud to have been featured.
As someone with dyslexia, it means the world to see
Jamie Oliver championing this issue. Please tune in and be part of the revolution. #DyslexiaRevolution #ComeOnBridget
As someone with dyslexia, it means the world to see
Jamie Oliver championing this issue. Please tune in and be part of the revolution. #DyslexiaRevolution #ComeOnBridget
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
Very proud of our lawyers Jennifer Wright @jentwright.bsky.social and Katie Sinclair, finalists in this year's Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards - Jennifer for Public Law and Katie for Legal Aid Newcomer. A testament to their fantastic work for our legal aid clients @lalyawards.bsky.social #LALY25
May 21, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Very proud of our lawyers Jennifer Wright @jentwright.bsky.social and Katie Sinclair, finalists in this year's Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards - Jennifer for Public Law and Katie for Legal Aid Newcomer. A testament to their fantastic work for our legal aid clients @lalyawards.bsky.social #LALY25
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
🧵 In an English classroom governed by rigid behaviour policies, a child’s distress is overlooked, not because no one sees her, but because the system doesn't allow space for understanding it. Her torn drawing is more than sadness, it’s the fallout of punitive behaviour policies 👇 #AgainstRestraint
April 5, 2025 at 12:54 PM
🧵 In an English classroom governed by rigid behaviour policies, a child’s distress is overlooked, not because no one sees her, but because the system doesn't allow space for understanding it. Her torn drawing is more than sadness, it’s the fallout of punitive behaviour policies 👇 #AgainstRestraint
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
This is what £70,000 of taxpayers’ money on ‘de-escalation and restraint’ training gets you.
ICARS obtained this data via FOI (2018–2023) and submitted it to the SEND National Crisis Inquiry.
Another disabled child restrained. This is systemic. Gov’t must act.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
ICARS obtained this data via FOI (2018–2023) and submitted it to the SEND National Crisis Inquiry.
Another disabled child restrained. This is systemic. Gov’t must act.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Autistic 12-year-old 'brutally' restrained in school calming room
The way the boy was held on the floor in a special school was unlawful, a use-of-force expert tells BBC.
www.bbc.com
April 9, 2025 at 11:42 PM
This is what £70,000 of taxpayers’ money on ‘de-escalation and restraint’ training gets you.
ICARS obtained this data via FOI (2018–2023) and submitted it to the SEND National Crisis Inquiry.
Another disabled child restrained. This is systemic. Gov’t must act.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
ICARS obtained this data via FOI (2018–2023) and submitted it to the SEND National Crisis Inquiry.
Another disabled child restrained. This is systemic. Gov’t must act.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
A primary school child was left alone in a school toilet for 3+ hrs. No food. No water. Staff lied.
There’ll be hearings. But under new guidance?
Nothing changes for kids—just more £ for the Restraint Industrial Complex.
#AgainstRestraint
bit.ly/3RdF2Onint
There’ll be hearings. But under new guidance?
Nothing changes for kids—just more £ for the Restraint Industrial Complex.
#AgainstRestraint
bit.ly/3RdF2Onint
Boy left in school toilet for over 3 hours without food or drink, hearing told
A primary school boy was left in a school toilet cubicle on his own and without food, water or supervision from 11.30am through to 3pm, a hearing has been told
mirror.co.uk
April 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM
A primary school child was left alone in a school toilet for 3+ hrs. No food. No water. Staff lied.
There’ll be hearings. But under new guidance?
Nothing changes for kids—just more £ for the Restraint Industrial Complex.
#AgainstRestraint
bit.ly/3RdF2Onint
There’ll be hearings. But under new guidance?
Nothing changes for kids—just more £ for the Restraint Industrial Complex.
#AgainstRestraint
bit.ly/3RdF2Onint
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
In England, “good order and discipline” are used to justify restraint, seclusion / isolation. Disabled children are harmed — not helped — by this abuse of power. Manifestation of disability is not bad behaviour. #AgainstRestraint
April 4, 2025 at 3:20 PM
In England, “good order and discipline” are used to justify restraint, seclusion / isolation. Disabled children are harmed — not helped — by this abuse of power. Manifestation of disability is not bad behaviour. #AgainstRestraint
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
If harm keeps happening, it’s not a system that’s broken — it’s a system working exactly as designed.
Restraint and seclusion aren’t accidental. They’re embedded.
Time to dismantle the machine.
🧡 #WhatsBehindTheHold #AgainstRestraint
Restraint and seclusion aren’t accidental. They’re embedded.
Time to dismantle the machine.
🧡 #WhatsBehindTheHold #AgainstRestraint
March 29, 2025 at 4:43 PM
If harm keeps happening, it’s not a system that’s broken — it’s a system working exactly as designed.
Restraint and seclusion aren’t accidental. They’re embedded.
Time to dismantle the machine.
🧡 #WhatsBehindTheHold #AgainstRestraint
Restraint and seclusion aren’t accidental. They’re embedded.
Time to dismantle the machine.
🧡 #WhatsBehindTheHold #AgainstRestraint
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
Coming April 2025: The “What’s Behind the Hold” Survey
We’re calling on families in England to share their lived experience of the training behind restraint and seclusion in English schools.
Because behind every hold, there’s a child
A family
A story that deserves to be heard
#WhatsBehindTheHold
We’re calling on families in England to share their lived experience of the training behind restraint and seclusion in English schools.
Because behind every hold, there’s a child
A family
A story that deserves to be heard
#WhatsBehindTheHold
March 29, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Coming April 2025: The “What’s Behind the Hold” Survey
We’re calling on families in England to share their lived experience of the training behind restraint and seclusion in English schools.
Because behind every hold, there’s a child
A family
A story that deserves to be heard
#WhatsBehindTheHold
We’re calling on families in England to share their lived experience of the training behind restraint and seclusion in English schools.
Because behind every hold, there’s a child
A family
A story that deserves to be heard
#WhatsBehindTheHold
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
If these restraint techniques are “safe,” why is this English Multi Academy Trust monitoring children’s breathing during use? This shows the risk to life for the disabled and neurodivergent children they’re used on.
When breathing must be monitored, safety is already compromised.
#AgainstRestraint
When breathing must be monitored, safety is already compromised.
#AgainstRestraint
March 27, 2025 at 12:55 PM
If these restraint techniques are “safe,” why is this English Multi Academy Trust monitoring children’s breathing during use? This shows the risk to life for the disabled and neurodivergent children they’re used on.
When breathing must be monitored, safety is already compromised.
#AgainstRestraint
When breathing must be monitored, safety is already compromised.
#AgainstRestraint
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
Let’s be clear.
Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) is not for neurodivergent students who do not have a learning disability.
So why are millions in taxpayer money being spent to train as many schools as possible in PBS ?
#RevenueForRestraint #WhatsBehindTheHold
Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) is not for neurodivergent students who do not have a learning disability.
So why are millions in taxpayer money being spent to train as many schools as possible in PBS ?
#RevenueForRestraint #WhatsBehindTheHold
March 26, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Let’s be clear.
Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) is not for neurodivergent students who do not have a learning disability.
So why are millions in taxpayer money being spent to train as many schools as possible in PBS ?
#RevenueForRestraint #WhatsBehindTheHold
Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) is not for neurodivergent students who do not have a learning disability.
So why are millions in taxpayer money being spent to train as many schools as possible in PBS ?
#RevenueForRestraint #WhatsBehindTheHold
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
From the Irish Joint Committee on Disability Matters:
"Behavioural interventionist therapies... cannot uphold the UNCRPD principles of autonomy, dignity, right to identity, and freedom from non-consensual or degrading treatment." #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
"Behavioural interventionist therapies... cannot uphold the UNCRPD principles of autonomy, dignity, right to identity, and freedom from non-consensual or degrading treatment." #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
March 26, 2025 at 1:05 PM
From the Irish Joint Committee on Disability Matters:
"Behavioural interventionist therapies... cannot uphold the UNCRPD principles of autonomy, dignity, right to identity, and freedom from non-consensual or degrading treatment." #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
"Behavioural interventionist therapies... cannot uphold the UNCRPD principles of autonomy, dignity, right to identity, and freedom from non-consensual or degrading treatment." #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
The T-wrap hold was removed from training in 2020.
Yet in 2025, it’s still being used in schools and listed in behaviour policies across England.
Why? Because restraint training is unregulated—no oversight, no accountability, no one watching. 👀 #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
Yet in 2025, it’s still being used in schools and listed in behaviour policies across England.
Why? Because restraint training is unregulated—no oversight, no accountability, no one watching. 👀 #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
March 26, 2025 at 3:42 PM
The T-wrap hold was removed from training in 2020.
Yet in 2025, it’s still being used in schools and listed in behaviour policies across England.
Why? Because restraint training is unregulated—no oversight, no accountability, no one watching. 👀 #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
Yet in 2025, it’s still being used in schools and listed in behaviour policies across England.
Why? Because restraint training is unregulated—no oversight, no accountability, no one watching. 👀 #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
The abusive use of restraints stems directly from a lack of training and oversight.
It puts vulnerable ppl at grave risk.
The character of a society is always illustrated in how it protects vulnerable ppl. Or how it does not.
It puts vulnerable ppl at grave risk.
The character of a society is always illustrated in how it protects vulnerable ppl. Or how it does not.
The T-wrap hold was removed from training in 2020.
Yet in 2025, it’s still being used in schools and listed in behaviour policies across England.
Why? Because restraint training is unregulated—no oversight, no accountability, no one watching. 👀 #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
Yet in 2025, it’s still being used in schools and listed in behaviour policies across England.
Why? Because restraint training is unregulated—no oversight, no accountability, no one watching. 👀 #RestraintForRevenue #WhatsBehindTheHold
March 26, 2025 at 3:49 PM
The abusive use of restraints stems directly from a lack of training and oversight.
It puts vulnerable ppl at grave risk.
The character of a society is always illustrated in how it protects vulnerable ppl. Or how it does not.
It puts vulnerable ppl at grave risk.
The character of a society is always illustrated in how it protects vulnerable ppl. Or how it does not.
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
📢 Must-watch: @aimautistic.bsky.social l CEO Emma Dalmayne and ICARS team member speaks on Sky News about the urgent need for autism mental health services across the UK.
⚠️ This report discusses mental health & suicide.
⚠️ This report discusses mental health & suicide.
📢 Emma Dalmayne, CEO of Autistic Inclusive Meets (@aimautistic.bsky.social) and part of the ICARS Team on Sky News with her son Damien. ⚠️ This report discusses mental health & suicide. #MentalHealth #DisabilityRights #AgainstRestraint
🔗 Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=SYnm...
🔗 Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=SYnm...
Increasing pressure for autism mental health services
YouTube video by Sky News
youtube.com
March 15, 2025 at 12:46 PM
📢 Must-watch: @aimautistic.bsky.social l CEO Emma Dalmayne and ICARS team member speaks on Sky News about the urgent need for autism mental health services across the UK.
⚠️ This report discusses mental health & suicide.
⚠️ This report discusses mental health & suicide.
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
📢 Emma Dalmayne, CEO of Autistic Inclusive Meets (@aimautistic.bsky.social) and part of the ICARS Team on Sky News with her son Damien. ⚠️ This report discusses mental health & suicide. #MentalHealth #DisabilityRights #AgainstRestraint
🔗 Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=SYnm...
🔗 Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=SYnm...
Increasing pressure for autism mental health services
YouTube video by Sky News
youtube.com
March 15, 2025 at 12:18 PM
📢 Emma Dalmayne, CEO of Autistic Inclusive Meets (@aimautistic.bsky.social) and part of the ICARS Team on Sky News with her son Damien. ⚠️ This report discusses mental health & suicide. #MentalHealth #DisabilityRights #AgainstRestraint
🔗 Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=SYnm...
🔗 Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=SYnm...
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
"When we ask for accommodations, we are not asking for special treatment or being selfish. We are simply advocating for our needs to be met so that we can fully participate and contribute to the world around us." -The Autistic Teacher.
www.facebook.com/autisticteac... #neurodiversity #autism
www.facebook.com/autisticteac... #neurodiversity #autism
The Autistic Teacher
The Autistic Teacher, London. 68,156 likes · 7,107 talking about this. Autistic and proud! Sharing insight and understanding to help the autistic community.
www.facebook.com
March 6, 2025 at 4:08 AM
"When we ask for accommodations, we are not asking for special treatment or being selfish. We are simply advocating for our needs to be met so that we can fully participate and contribute to the world around us." -The Autistic Teacher.
www.facebook.com/autisticteac... #neurodiversity #autism
www.facebook.com/autisticteac... #neurodiversity #autism
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
CW: Child Abuse. The video shows Alex Cornelius, a non-speaking 10-year-old autistic child, seemingly being slapped by his special education teacher. www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/v...
Video shows North Texas teachers allegedly abusing autistic student; investigation underway
"The District is aware of allegations regarding teacher misconduct in a special education classroom at Millsap Elementary School."
www.cbsnews.com
March 13, 2025 at 11:25 AM
CW: Child Abuse. The video shows Alex Cornelius, a non-speaking 10-year-old autistic child, seemingly being slapped by his special education teacher. www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/v...
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
ICARS appreciate the concern regarding the video of a 12-year-old SEN student being restrained in a London school. At present, this is the only comment ICARS will be making. Our focus remains on supporting the family and advocating for necessary legislative protections. #AgainstRestraint
I am aware of the video showing a 12-year-old SEN student restrained in a London school, which is gaining attention on TikTok. ICARS has been supporting the family for the past month, this video highlights the urgent need for legislative protections in England. #AgainstRestraint
March 9, 2025 at 1:51 PM
ICARS appreciate the concern regarding the video of a 12-year-old SEN student being restrained in a London school. At present, this is the only comment ICARS will be making. Our focus remains on supporting the family and advocating for necessary legislative protections. #AgainstRestraint
Reposted by Becky Gillespie
Blanket behavior policies don’t ‘manage’ behavior—they erase disabled children’s needs.
Children deserve equity, not restraint and seclusion. It’s time to dismantle policies that harm. #AgainstRestraint
Children deserve equity, not restraint and seclusion. It’s time to dismantle policies that harm. #AgainstRestraint
March 3, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Blanket behavior policies don’t ‘manage’ behavior—they erase disabled children’s needs.
Children deserve equity, not restraint and seclusion. It’s time to dismantle policies that harm. #AgainstRestraint
Children deserve equity, not restraint and seclusion. It’s time to dismantle policies that harm. #AgainstRestraint