A WHARFEDALE MP has backed calls for an urgent review of the use of isolation booths in schools.

The Governmnent is being urged to overhaul its guidance on the use of the disciplinary booths over concerns about their impact on mental health.

An evidence review published by the Centre for Mental Health shows that such measures can create ‘a vicious circle of trauma’ for young people already facing issues - and pose a mental health risk to others.

Education law experts Simpson Millar, who have represented the families of teenagers who have been affected, say the report shows the need for action - and are calling on the Department for Education to end a practice which it says is ‘blighting’ young people’s educational and mental wellbeing.

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) agrees. He said: “As an outspoken critic of isolation booths I am not surprised to read the report and call on the Government to end this practice. I hope this report also echoes in schools still using the booths as a method of punishment, and that they choose to switch to more effective ways of managing child behaviour.

“I have little doubt that the increase in use of isolation booths is fuelled by a lack of education funding and funding for support staff, special educational needs and child mental health provision.”