Main content

Undercover School: Cruelty in the Classroom

Panorama investigates a school for children with special educational needs where pupils are mocked, bullied and physically abused.

Panorama investigates a school for children with special educational needs. Places at LIFE school in the Wirral cost the local authority Β£50,000 or more a year per pupil, but reporter Sasha Hinde sees little teaching going on. Instead, pupils are mocked, bullied and physically abused.

Undercover filming reveals how children with ADHD, autism and complex needs are placed in headlocks or wrestled to the ground by staff and described as 'thick' and 'retards'. The school says it has an excellent academic record, takes any allegation of misconduct or inappropriate behaviour extremely seriously and that some members of staff have been suspended. Parents tell Panorama they feel let down and believe the school should be closed.

5 months left to watch

29 minutes

Signed

Credits

Role Contributor
Reporter Sasha Hinde
Producer Oliver Newlan
Producer Ruth Evans
Director Ruth Evans
Executive Producer Leo Telling
Editor Karen Wightman

Broadcasts

Explore the wider challenges that people with a learning disability face in society, and how this impacts on their health

Find out more with The Open University.