The head has been banned from schools for the ‘completely unacceptable’ decision to build a 2m x 2m enclosure as a cooling off area for the boy

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

The principal of a Canberra public school has been sacked after an investigation found a boy with special needs was locked inside a small, metal enclosure in an attempt to calm him down.

An independent investigation into the incident was announced in April by the ACT’s minister for education, Joy Burch, and the director general of the education and training directorate, Diane Joseph.

On Tuesday the findings were released, revealing the enclosure had been commissioned by the principal at a cost of $5,195 to the school.

Canberra school investigated after cage-like enclosure built for special needs student Read more

It was built in March and kept in place for 14 school days, including the day of construction and dismantling, and had been used to hold the boy once, the investigation found.

The decision to construct the enclosure was made without consultation or approval from within the school or the directorate, Burch told reporters on Tuesday, and was intended for use as a quiet space in which the student could calm down.

“I am very disappointed by the things found through this investigation,” Burch said.

“It is completely unacceptable that a decision was taken to build this type of structure to respond to the behaviour of a student.

“This decision was wrong, and the officer responsible will no longer be a school principal or be working within a school. School principals must be held responsible for their actions.”

Constructed with blue powder-coated metal, the enclosure measured 2m x 2m and included a self-closing door and latch.

The department could not reveal the name of the school, principal or student, in order to protect the identity of the student and his family. When the incident first came to light, it was reported the student affected was a 10-year-old boy with autism.

An audit of other government schools in the ACT found no evidence of any other similar structures elsewhere, the investigation found.

Burch said she was frustrated by how long it had taken to complete the investigation, saying it did not meet her expectations as minister.



“I thank the school community for their patience while this matter was investigated.”

The principal had been suspended throughout the investigation, which also found that the department officers notified of the enclosure did not act with sufficient urgency or alarm.

A director for families and students would be appointed to focus on the safety and wellbeing of students and to act as an advocate for students, their families and school staff, Burch said.