MSPs praised campaigners today as they backed proposals to minimise the use of restraint in Scotland’s schools.

Tabled by Labour MSP Daniel Johnson, the Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Bill aims to make the practices in schools a last resort.

Its general principles have now won the unanimous backing of the Holyrood’s education, children and young people committee, its first step to becoming law.

Offering the committee’s support, its convener Douglas Ross paid tribute to campaigners and parents Beth Morrison and Kate Sanger. 

Ms Morrison began her campaign after her son was left with over 60 bruises and “traumatised” after being restrained at school in 2010.

Mr Ross said: “Our committee heard disturbing evidence about the use of restraint and seclusion. This practice is being carried out inconsistently and, worryingly, sometimes parents are not even aware restraint and seclusion have been used.

“Scotland needs a consistent approach, which makes restraint and seclusion a last resort. That’s why it’s important that this Bill becomes law.

“There is still some work to be done to ensure the Bill fully achieves its aims, however we must commend the campaigners, including Beth Morrison and Kate Sanger, for raising this issue in Parliament, and Daniel Johnson MSP, who brought forward this much-needed Bill.”

Welcoming the committee’s support, Mr Johnson, said: “Thanks must also go to activists Beth Morrison and Kate Sanger — this would not be possible without their tireless work over the past decade and beyond.

“More needs to be done to protect children in Scotland from incidents of restraint and seclusion and with this report, the Scottish government’s support, as well as backing from MSPs across the chamber, I am confident that we can pass my Bill into law.”