"The SEN crisis has been brewing for over a decade, and manifests itself each summer in a desperate scramble for appropriate school places. The Education Minister and Education Authority are now unashamedly attempting to shift the blame for a lack of SEN places directly onto schools. This is truly a new low, and demonstrates a total lack of respect for education workers, SEN pupils and their families.
"Every child deserves to learn in a safe, supportive environment that is suitable for their needs, with access to appropriate resources and well-trained staff. Forcing schools to accept pupils with complex needs without the proper resourcing and support is a recipe for disaster.
"The Education Authority and Education Minister should listen to the voices of families, as well as education unions and the workers they represent; they must reverse this misguided decision."
Education Minister's attacks on SEN pupils and education staff a new low - Gerry Carroll MLA
Special Educational Needs crisis now includes ministers blaming the schools themselves for a lack of places. Gerry Carroll says People Before Profit stand with the pupils and staff.
