The principal of a school in Canberra has been suspended after it was revealed that an autistic boy was locked in a metal cage . It was announced yesterday an investigation was underway after it emerged a 10-year-old autistic bot was put in a 2m by 2m structure by his teachers at a Canberra school . The cage was specifically designed for him to as a 'withdrawal space ' while in class . Scroll down for video . The cage was specifically designed as a 'withdrawal space ' for the 10-year-old autistic boy . ACT Education MInister Joy Burch ( pictured ) said it is a horrifying situation . The Minister said an investigation into the incident is underway . 'This structure could not be deemed acceptable in any way shape or form , in any of our public education schools , hence it was withdrawn , ' she said . The principal has been removed from the school and two teachers with expertise in disability education have been assigned to the school . The structure was in place from March 10 to March 27 , according to ACT Education Minister Joy Burch . Shadow Education Minister Kate Ellis said the mistreatment of students with a disability was 'shocking and deeply disturbing ' . 'The abuse or neglect of students with disability is absolutely unacceptable , ' Ms Ellis said . 'All students – including those with disability – deserve to be recognised as learners and supported to achieve their best , ' she said . 'As a society , we have a responsibility to ensure our schools are safe and caring environments for all students , at all times . ' It was also revealed that the school only removed the cage when they were ordered to do so by the ACT Education Department after they received a complaint from the boy 's parents . Ms Burch said words could not describe her disappointment and horror at the situation . The Minister also said an investigation into the incident is underway . 'This structure could not be deemed acceptable in any way shape or form , in any of our public education schools , hence it was withdrawn , ' she said . ' I have initiated an absolute thorough investigation as to the why this structure was allowed to be put in place . ' I have also made assurances through the school executive and through our support teams that the child and the family involved is given the utmost support over this time . ' Ms Burch said she was 'very angry and very disappointed ' with the incident and said the cage had no place in a classroom . ACT Education Directorate Director-General Diane Joseph ( pictured ) said the 'confronting ' structure was 'entirely inappropriate and unacceptable ' The issue came to light after a complaint was made to the Children and Young People 's Commissioner about the cage and the name of the school can not be revealed due to privacy reasons . ACT Education Directorate Director-General Diane Joseph said the 'confronting ' structure was 'entirely inappropriate and unacceptable ' . 'The space was basically a fenced-in structure inside a classroom , ' Ms Joseph said . 'The structure was built for one particular student . 'The decision to erect such a structure raises so many questions . I have asked for the investigation to be treated with the upmost urgency . ' The horrific news comes as organisations and people come together to recognise World Autism Awareness Day . The day is designed to raise awareness and much-needed funds through unique measures .
Principal suspended after it emerged an autistic boy was locked in a cage . 10-year-old boy was forced into a 'withdrawal space ' inside the classroom . ACT Education Minister Joy Burch said words can not describe the horror . Comment: Shadow Education Minister Kate Ellis says incident 'deeply disturbing '