Education chiefs build 'cage' for autistic boy

November 3, 2010

By 3/11/2010

Parents of an autistic teenager were horrified when education chiefs built him a

safe play area that looked like a cage.

The 18-year-old's mum and dad had raised £500 for the space as his condition

makes it hard for him to mix.

They were hoping for decking and outside play equipment but were confronted with

a dog run just a few feet wide.

The couple, whose son hasn't played outside at school for five years, were

appalled by the jail-like structure.

Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan wants a probe into how the cage - made of old

barriers and building site fences - could have been built.

He said: " I believe that 'cage' is a reasonable description, and that this

represents a failure on the part of the council to consider this young man's

needs. "

Mr Allan said the incident has caused " very understandable offence " to the

family. He added: " It raises questions about the provision in the Western Isles

for children in a similar situation in future.

" I have raised this matter with the council by letter and await a response. "

He said the parents were full of praise for the teachers but just wanted their

son to be able to play outside.

Western Isles councillor Norman Mac said: " I think it is very clear to us

that the provision put in place was entirely inappropriate. I wish to apologise

unreservedly on behalf of the council to the family of the boy involved. "

He said the enclosure at the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway, , has now

been demolished and would be replaced. A communications mix-up between staff and

suppliers was to blame, he said

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