The use of "consequence rooms" – isolation booths where pupils sit alone and in silence as punishment – has sparked outrage among parents, who call the practice "barbaric". This method is at the heart of concerns over the zero-tolerance behaviour policies adopted by some academy trusts in England.
Research revealed that 45 schools in England excluded at least 20% of their pupils during the last academic year. Notably, the Outwood Grange Academies Trust, managing 30 schools across Yorkshire, the Humber, and the East Midlands, was responsible for nine institutions. Outwood Academy Ormesby in Middlesbrough recorded the highest figure, with 41% of its pupils receiving at least one suspension.
Parents from Outwood Grange schools have expressed alarm not only at high exclusion rates but also at the widespread use of these isolation booths. One mother described her son's experience: "He'd spend hours in there, facing forward, no speaking – it was like an internal exclusion. I think it's barbaric."
The Outwood Grange Academies Trust's behaviour policy outlines strict rules for these rooms, stating pupils must "occupy and ignore", remaining seated upright and facing forward without sleeping or putting their heads on desks. Prohibited behaviours include tapping, chewing, swinging on chairs, shouting, or sighing. Pupils have limited toilet breaks and are escorted silently for lunch.
Another mother recounted her son's experience: "He did 22 hours in one week – it was an absolute mess afterwards. He was visibly distressed, struggling to communicate." She questioned why schools didn't utilise alternative methods to keep children in the classroom, suggesting multi-academy trusts prioritise cost-cutting over diverse support strategies.
The National Education Union echoed concerns, arguing "zero-tolerance" approaches often disregard children's varied difficulties and favour punishment over essential support. The union warned that such policies exacerbate a mental health crisis among young people.
A spokesperson for the Outwood Grange Academies Trust defended isolation booths: "They enable students to calm down, reflect and self-correct their behaviour." The trust stated its commitment to making reasonable adjustments for students with special needs within its behaviour policy and investing in pastoral support.