Cllr Grace Williams' statement on Whitefield School

Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: “The historic CCTV footage showing the horrific treatment of highly vulnerable children at Whitefield School between 2014 and 2017 is deeply distressing.   

“The wellbeing of these children and their parents, carers, or guardians is our top priority. We have ensured that families involved have been able to access therapeutic support alongside advice and guidance from social workers. We will continue to offer this support to the children and families involved whenever they may need it. 

“We have worked closely with the academy trust, Ofsted, Department for Education, and NHS to support the police investigation. Now that the criminal investigation into staff at Whitefield has concluded, safeguarding partners will commission an independent expert to carry out a Local Children Safeguarding Practice Review to ensure the lessons of this distressing case are learned. 

“We support the calls from the Children’s Commissioner for a review of the guidance and regulations around the usage of restraints and so-called 'calming rooms'.”