My Department has produced technical guidance documentation, which provides information on space planning and design for school authorities and designers in the provision of permanent accommodation for pupils with special educational needs. Schools withdraw pupils occasionally from the main classroom for short periods of time in order to provide such support/ manage pupil behaviour if they are exhibiting behaviours which may be a danger to themselves or others until they are able to re-engage in the classroom.
My Department has asked the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to prepare policy advice on educational provision for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In developing this policy advice, the NCSE will consult widely with parents, professionals and other stakeholders and interested parties, while also conducting research in relation to this area. As part of the process to develop this policy advice, the NCSE will consider the issue of the use of withdrawal rooms/safe spaces in schools for children with autism.