A Taree primary school is under investigation by the NSW Department of Education following allegations that an autistic boy was restrained in a chair with straps and a weighted vest.
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The allegations relating to Manning Gardens Public School were raised by the mother of the six-year-old boy in May.
In a statement, the NSW Department of Education said that it had begun an investigation immediately into the allegations, with support for special needs students at the school also under review.
The investigation is still continuing.
The incident received widespread public attention when a Facebook post published by the mother on Thursday, September 22 detailing her allegations went viral.
The post was shared more than 1000 times, received more than 1500 ‘Likes’ and was commented on nearly 1000 times, with the vast majority supportive of the mother.
In the post, it is alleged that the boy, who it is stated has severe non-verbal autism and intellectual impairment, was restrained using ankle straps, a weighted belt and a weighted vest.
The post also alleges that the boy was kept in a “round fenced off area that looks very much like a cage” during lunch breaks.
The mother was reportedly referred to the Department of Education after refusing to send her son to the school following the allegations.
A Department of Education spokesperson said the department had met the mother on several occasions to discuss her concerns and that a meeting was held with the mother last week in regards to an application for distance education for the boy.
The Department of Education spokesperson said the aim was to have the enrollment finalised by early term four.
The application for distance education comes after it was claimed the mother made inquiries about enrolling her son at another Taree school.
The department stated the outcome of this approach has not yet been finalised.
“The Department is continuing to work with the family to find an appropriate alternative educational setting for the student.”