PARENTS of children at special educational needs schools in Belfast are worried about plans to merge seven special needs schools in Belfast.
“I have been contacted by parents who are quite rightly aghast at plans to close schools which are performing well, and improving the lives and education of so many young people in our community”, said People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll.
“This appears to be another cost cutting exercise by the EA, where saving money takes precedent over the education of our young people”.
“Already, this has caused massive worry for parents of children with sensory issues, learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities. Parents have routines in place that work for their children. Uprooting pupils with special educational needs from their schools will have massive implications that the Education Authority seemingly has not considered”.
“The EA may have a shiny new plan for so called “super schools” but they must take into account the views of those who know what’s best for the children- their families, teachers and support staff. If the EA is serious about having a consultation on this proposal, then they must listen to the people closely affected by this decision “.
“Previously we have been promised “super-libraries” and many years later not a brick has been laid. There is also a well-grounded fear that with some special need schools closing, pupils with physical disabilities could be merged with those with profound learning disabilities or behavioural issues. This creates practical pressures for staff and could potentially upset a fine balance which could ultimately fail vulnerable children. Given our education system is already under huge pressure and drastically underfunded, it is deeply concerning that we are talking about school amalgamations; which all too often are simply a smoke screen for a cost cutting exercise.”
“There is a fundamental point also about the protection of staff here too. Students have built up an important relationship with staff who they rely upon to receive personalised support. There is very often a hidden agenda behind these schemes to cut jobs. Classroom assistants jobs are increasingly under threat because of successive executive budget cuts. Any plans to restructure special needs schools must come with an absolute guarantee that all classroom assistants and teaching posts will be protected.”