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The family of a Western Isles autistic school pupil are horrified that education bosses wanted to put him in a cage.
After years of being segregated indoors away from other students at the Nicolson
Institute, the 18-
Because of his severe form of the condition he is taught apart from other pupils. The parents praise the teachers who have help him daily.
But insensitive education officials at Western Isles Council erected a cage for him
-
His family are deeply distressed at the school’s actions.
The cage has been condemned by the Autism Trust as “100 per cent cruel."
Autism Trust spokesperson Polly Tommey said it was unbelievable.
She said the council should be more responsive to the boy’s needs and not be locking him a cage.
The family had even raised £500 to help out with the costs and were told they it would be a fun area with decking and play equipment.
Instead, the council erected a narrow caged enclosure like a dog run -
A furious Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan is pressing the council for a full explanation.
He said: “I am extremely concerned over this.
“The family came to me over this issue. They are very offended and upset to be offered this.
“The boy has been taught on his own for six hours every day for years with no means of getting outside.”
The council admits they got it wrong and have demolished the cage. However, they still have not provided a proper outdoor space for him. If they delay any longer he may have left the school before they get round to doing so.
A council spokesperson said: ““We try to be sensitive to the needs of all the children in our care.
“This enclosure was built with the best intentions, but perhaps the right degree of thought was not put into it.
“It was immediately deemed unsuitable and dismantled.
“We are in discussion with the child’s parents to solve this problem.”
Anger after council wanted to cage pupil 1/11/10