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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 19/06/2026

Video released earlier this week by @theipaper.com regarding children across England and the use of seclusion rooms, based on findings from the ICARS Isolation, Seclusion and Removal Room Survey 2026. #AgainstRestraint

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 17/06/2026

The UK Government’s final response to Solving the SEND Crisis was published today. A SEND reform response that fails to name restraint, seclusion, isolation and restrictive interventions cannot be called fully inclusive. That silence matters. #AgainstRestraint #SolvingTheSendCrisis #SEND

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 13/06/2026

ICARS United Nations Evidence Survey is live. For families in England whose child experienced restraint, seclusion, isolation, removal, use of force, recording failures, detriment or discrimination in school. Closes Aug 2nd 2026. Safari on Mac issues? Try Chrome/another browser.

Graphic for the ICARS United Nations Evidence Survey. The image shows a child seen from behind facing the United Nations building in Geneva, with rows of international flags on either side. Large text reads “United Nations Evidence Survey.” The graphic says the survey is for families in England whose child experienced restraint, seclusion, isolation, removal, use of force, recording failures, detriment or discrimination in school. Logos for Autistic Inclusive Meets UK, ICARS, and SEND National Crisis appear at the top. A QR code says “Scan to take the survey.” The closing date is shown as August 2nd 2026, with the hashtag #AgainstRestraint.

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 10/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from ICARS. Today we celebrate mothers, grandmothers, carers, kinship carers, and all those who bring love, care, steadiness, and warmth into children’s lives. Wishing you a day filled with rest, appreciation, and the kindness you so often give to others.

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 02/05/2026

Submitted a FOI on restraint, seclusion, or disability issues in England’s schools? ICARS wants to hear from you. We are gathering evidence for our UN submission. Response, delay, or refusal, it all matters. See image for details and how to submit. #AgainstRestraint

ICARS graphic in black, white, and orange calling for Freedom of Information (FOI) submissions on restraint, seclusion, and disability issues in England’s schools. Headline asks if viewers have submitted an FOI and invites them to get in touch. Image includes a stack of documents labeled “Freedom of Information Request” with “Transparency is a right.”
Text explains ICARS has conducted FOIs on behaviour policies, restraint, seclusion, isolation, use of force, and disability concerns, and is gathering further evidence for a United Nations submission.
Invites responses whether FOIs were answered, delayed, narrowed, partially answered, or refused, stating “Refusals are evidence.”
Topics listed: restraint or use of force; seclusion, isolation, removal rooms; disability provision, safeguarding, equality duties; policies and decision-making. Contact email provided icarsteamembers@gmail.com

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 21/03/2026

Advocacy on fire 🔥 H723 passed in Idaho! Caroline Cole of 11:11 Media Impact been a dear friend for many years, and we are deeply grateful for her work as Special Advisor to ICARS. It means more than words can capture. Survivors and advocates are driving real change. #BeTheChange #AgainstRestraint

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 24/12/2025

While children across England unwrap presents this Christmas, disabled children are unpacking something else: fear. The fear of going back to school. Because for too many disabled children, school isn’t a place of safety or inclusion. #AgainstRestraint

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 19/12/2025

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and the very best for the year ahead. This year has asked a lot of many people. Rest matters. Time with loved ones matters. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our community. #AgainstRestraint

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 10/12/2025

Today is a reminder that human rights are not abstract principles. Yet children continue to face institutional abuse including the use of restraint, seclusion, isolation rooms, and compliance systems that violate their dignity and their rights.

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 10/12/2025

🧵Did anyone have “Sir Alan Wood CBE becomes the truth-speaking hero for vulnerable pupils” on their card for 2025 ? His report into Mossbourne told the truth and finally gives voice to children and families across England who have faced the same harms and been dismissed and ignored.

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 06/12/2025

They have taken stories that were ignored, dismissed, or minimized and brought them into national view with accuracy, care, and persistence. They asked hard questions, listened to families, examined evidence, and refused to soften the truth for the comfort of institutions.

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 06/12/2025

📢ICARS Person(s) of the Year 2025 Keith Cooper and Will Stewart 🏆 ICARS is proud to recognise Keith Cooper and Will Stewart as our Person(s) of the Year for 2025. Their national reporting has reshaped public understanding of the harms faced by disabled children in England’s education system.

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 26/10/2025

If no one objects, an English child will die from restraint in a school. Another will live with lifelong trauma from isolation and seclusion. Silence protects systems, not children. Speaking out is not chaos, it’s conscience. #AgainstRestraint #PandemicOfPunishment #ShineOnMax

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 13/10/2025

Just over a week to go! We’re looking forward to presenting “Held Down, Held Back: Restraint and Seclusion in England’s Schools” for Lives in the Balance with Dr. Ross Greene on October 21, 2025. It’s free to attend, can sign up here: tinyurl.com/2sadbes7 @livesinthebalance.bsky.social #CMHAC25

A dimly lit classroom shows several students seated at desks, facing forward. In the foreground, a young boy in a school uniform sits apart from his peers with his head bowed. His outline glows faintly in ICARS orange, highlighting his isolation and distress. A shadowed teacher figure stands at the front of the room. The slide text reads: “HELD DOWN, HELD BACK — Restraint and Seclusion in England’s Schools.” Logos for Lives in the Balance and ICARS (International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion) appear in the lower corners, with the caption: “Lives in the Balance — Children’s Mental Health Advocacy Conference 2025.”

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 16/09/2025

Has your child faced removal, isolation, or seclusion in an English school? Share your story in our anonymous survey. Link in comments. #AgainstRestraint

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 30/08/2025

To all the advocates, our friends and coalition partners: most of the real work does not happen on social media or in the spotlight. Over the Labor Day weekend, while many paused to rest, you kept going. With state legislative sessions about to open, the work continues, in the strategy calls ..

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 30/08/2025

Advocacy is the bridge between injustice and action. It transforms silence into voice and resistance into change. #AgainstRestraint

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 16/08/2025

Advocacy needs leaders. Those who lead create change. Those who follow only echo it. Be the one who lights the path, not the one walking in someone else’s shadow. Choose to lead. 🧡

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 14/08/2025

We warned them. They ignored it. Children continue to suffer. In April 2025, ICARS sent a 6-page evidence submission to the Equality and Human Rights Commission calling for an investigation into the Witherslack Group. A thread 🧵

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 12/08/2025

“It was uncomfortable and painful. I was scared.” Former pupil describes long, repeated restraints and watching classmates scream in pain at Bramley Hill School run by the Witherslack Group. @theipaper.com @kijcooper1973.bsky.social #AgainstRestraint

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 12/08/2025

“Two people grabbed my arms and dragged me — that was the worst.” 10-year-old recounts restraint at taxpayer-funded special school run by Witherslack Group. #AgainstRestraint @kijcooper1973.bsky.social @theipaper.com #AgainstRestraint

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 12/08/2025

“Daily restraint. Head slammed to the floor.” Mother demands closure of taxpayer-funded special school run by Abu Dhabi-owned Witherslack Group. @kijcooper1973.bsky.social @theipaper.com inews.co.uk/news/send-pu...

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 25/06/2025

This DeafBlind Awareness Week (23–29 June 2025), we honour the DeafBlind community. DeafBlindness is a distinct experience, with unique ways of navigating, connecting, and engaging with the world. Access, support, and dignity matter. #DeafBlindAwarenessWeek #DBAW25

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 02/06/2025

🧵What Counts as "Reasonable Force" in England's Schools? This English school’s behaviour policy admits there’s no legal definition of “reasonable force” as we have cited over and over. Yet staff are expected to know when and how to use it in what would constitute a “serious incident.”

A screenshot of a English school policy document titled "THE USE OF REASONABLE FORCE DURING A SERIOUS INCIDENT." The policy states that there is no legal definition of reasonable force, making it difficult to specify when and how much force may be used. It emphasizes that use of force should be a last resort, using only the minimum necessary. The stated priority is the safety of pupils and staff, and all incidents must be logged in the SIMS system. The page number "11" appears at the bottom.

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 05/04/2025

🧵 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

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 04/04/2025

Life-threatening restraints are still allowed in England’s schools. What is allowed for "good order and discipline" leaves disabled children in danger. There is no real safety net — only risk. #AgainstRestraint

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 04/04/2025

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

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 02/04/2025

🌍♾️ It’s World Autism Acceptance Day 2025. At ICARS, we stand for acceptance, not just awareness — and we do NOT use puzzle pieces. We proudly use the red and gold infinity symbols instead. 🔴 Red: Autistic pride, power, and self-advocacy 💛 Gold: "Au" = Autism = valuable, brilliant, worthy 🧵

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 29/03/2025

Behind every hold, there’s a child. A family. A story that deserves to be heard. Join us in April to uncover #WhatsBehindTheHold and advocate for a safer future for every child. #AgainstRestraint

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 29/03/2025

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

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 29/03/2025

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

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 27/03/2025

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

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 26/03/2025

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

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 26/03/2025

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

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 26/03/2025

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

A social media graphic featuring ICARS branding and a modern abstract background in black, orange, gray, and white. The center contains a rounded cream colored text box with the quote:
“PBS... is not intended for persons identifying as neurodivergent who do not have a learning disability.”
– (State of the Nation Report, 2022).
The bottom of the graphic includes stylized social media icons (heart, paper plane, bookmark, Instagram, Facebook, star, thumbs up), and two small ICARS logos are visible — one at the top and one in the lower left corner

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 04/03/2025

🌍💡 Today is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day 2025! Assistive technology empowers disabled individuals by breaking down barriers to communication, education, and independence. From AAC devices to mobility aids, these innovations are essential in creating a more equitable world

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 03/03/2025

🚨 Take a stand today! 🚨 Utah’s Troubled Teen Industry is still harming children—we all have a collective responsibility to protect them. #SB297 brings real oversight and protections, but your voice is needed now! Sign the letter before tomorrow’s hearing to push for change. 👉 t.co/CWghYbGO5c

A tweet from Paris Hilton calling for urgent action to protect children in Utah’s Troubled Teen Industry. The tweet highlights Senate Bill 297 (#SB297), which strengthens protections and oversight. Paris urges supporters to sign a letter before an upcoming hearing. The tweet includes a link to a Google form for signing the letter and tags @1111MediaImpact. A preview of the Google form is visible, titled “Support Utah SB297,” explaining the importance of the bill.

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 03/03/2025

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

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 01/03/2025

📢 ICARS Team Announcement! 🚨 We’re thrilled to welcome Kieran Rose as our Autistic Rights, Identity & Research Lead! 🎉 A respected advocate, researcher, and author, Kieran has been a longtime ICARS consultant, bringing vital insights into the autistic experience. Join us in welcoming him! 💪✨

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 22/02/2025

📢 ICARS Announcement: Welcoming David Gray-Hammond! 🎉 @emergentdivergence.com Since 2020, David Gray-Hammond has been a valued collaborator in ICARS' mission to end restraint and seclusion. 🧵

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 22/02/2025

📢 ICARS Announcement: Welcoming Emma Dalmayne to the Team! @aimautistic.bsky.social Since 2020, Emma has been a key ally in our fight to end restraint & seclusion. A fierce advocate for autistic rights, she has exposed harm, amplified neurodivergent voices & pushed for systemic change. 🧵

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 19/02/2025

The article "Children ‘at risk of harm’ in SEND schools that charge the state up to £116,000 in fees" from the weekend is now in today’s i Paper @theipaper.com Grab your copy and read about the urgent issues surrounding restraint in SEND schools. @kijcooper1973.bsky.social #RestraintForRevenue

£116,000 in fees" discusses concerns about excessive use of restraint on students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in certain schools. The article highlights findings from Ofsted inspections, citing that some schools receiving public funding have failed to manage behavior safely and effectively. There is a focus on Hall Cliffe School, where one student was restrained 158 times in less than two years.

The page features a large image in the center, depicting a distressed child in a red shirt holding their head in their hands, alongside visuals of clenched fists and the logos of Ofsted and the Department for Education. The text mentions parental concerns, watchdog criticisms, and cases of restraint-related trauma.

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 17/02/2025

Day 2, 'Children ‘at risk of harm’ in SEND schools charging taxpayer fees of up to £116k' by @kijcooper1973.bsky.social is again the top-read story in @theipaper.com. Parents and the public care about the harms disabled children face in schools. This issue isn’t going away—and neither are we!

Screenshot of The i Paper's "Most Popular" articles list. The number one ranked story is titled "Children ‘at risk of harm’ in SEND schools charging taxpayer fees of up to £116k", categorized under Child Welfare. Other stories in the top ten cover topics such as a united Ireland, Trump’s role in a Ukraine peace deal, pensions, football, tourism, and UK politics. The layout displays ranked articles with bold headlines and color-coded categories

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 17/02/2025

📢 Ofsted finds pupils at risk of harm in SEND schools run by Witherslack, despite taxpayer fees of up to £116k. "The proprietor has not ensured that all staff have the knowledge and experience they need..." Full story via @theipaper ⬇️ 🔗 inews.co.uk/news/educati... #RestraintForRevenue

Digital graphic features a quote from an Ofsted inspection report addressing Witherslack. The quote states: 'The proprietor has not ensured that all staff have the knowledge and experience they need to manage the behaviour of pupils well enough… This leaves pupils and staff at risk of harm.' The background image consists of a stack of newspapers. At the bottom, a caption reads: 'Children ‘at risk of harm’ in SEND schools charging taxpayer fees of up to £116k | i Paper, February 16 2025.' The logos of 'The i Paper' and 'ICARS (International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion)' are also present

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 16/02/2025

Three Ofsted reports in just three weeks have raised serious concerns about the use of restraint in Witherslack schools. England’s Children’s Commissioner and MPs must go beyond concern—meaningful action is needed to protect disabled children. #RestraintForRevenue #AgainstRestraint @theipaper.com

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 16/02/2025

Currently the number 1 story in The I Paper @theipaper.com The public cares, and so should policymakers. It's time for real legislative change to protect children from harmful restraint and seclusion. #RestraintForRevenue

A screenshot showing The i Paper's top-read stories, with the article Children ‘at risk of harm’ in SEND schools charging taxpayer fees of up to £116k ranked as the number one story. The image highlights public concern over the use of restraint and seclusion in SEND schools and the urgent need for legislative change.

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ICARS - International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion @againstrestraint.com · 16/02/2025

The DfE claims it will take 'swift enforcement action' on restraint in SEND schools, including closures. Why did it take years of harm for action? #RestraintForRevenue Children ‘at risk of harm’ in SEND schools charging taxpayer fees of up to £116k, i Paper, Feb 16, 2025. @kijcooper1973.bsky.social

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