NAHANT — The Nahant School Committee has motioned to amend the 2023-2024 policy manual regarding physical restraints of students as it pertains to seclusion.

The policy, which can be found in section JKAA, states that seclusion restraint is physically confining a student alone in a room or limited space without access to school staff.”

“I’m happy to see this come down the lane,” said Committee member Beth Anderson.

The change is being mandated and will include a 9-10-page extension to the current policy that further outlines the mandated reasons, requirements, and additional details on the rooms that must be used, as well as the proper reporting forms.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) stated that regulation changes will go into effect in August of this year and will add emergency circumstances under which a type of seclusion can be used as a “last resort if there is an imminent threat of assault or serious physical harm to the student or others.”

An adult has to be present and monitoring the student. There must also be prior consent from the student’s family and proper documentation from a licensed mental health professional and physician.

The requirements for any rooms or areas that are used for time-outs must be the appropriate size for the age and the needs of the student, properly lighted, ventilated, and heated or cooled, and consistent with the rest of the building, and be free of objects or fixtures that are dangerous to students.

“Inclusive, accessible, safe, and welcoming school environments are critical for students to learn and grow academically, behaviorally, and social-emotionally,” said  Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.

Anderson also brought up the stories she’s heard in both the news and in “education environments” regarding seclusion and restraint, and why she thinks this change is important.

“Teachers don’t have the skills yet, or (know) how to mentor students, or students that are having struggles in different ways,” she said. “I have been saddened by what I’ve seen.”