Those in power asked to 'reconsider' decision on second special class
Brooklodge National School in Glanmire is urging those in power to reconsider the decision which will see the school go without an already sanctioned second special class.
A statement from the Board of Management said that they had received notice that the option of having a purpose-built modular building to accommodate both special classes for children with autism, is no longer available.
“This is devastating news to us as a Board of Management, a school, to the community and especially to the families affected by this news. We urge those in power to reconsider the decision,” the statement read.
Over the past six months, the Board of Management noted that it had been engaging with the Department of Education with regard to opening a second special class for children with autism. Last November the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) gave a commitment that a second special education class would be given this coming September.
According to the board, the second class is ‘needed so desperately’ within the school, however noted that there is currently not the facility within the building to accommodate the second class.
“Further still, our current class, Seoidin has been accommodated within the school building in a classroom that was never intended for this purpose.
“Glanmire as a community is growing. Ensuring the inclusion of children who have additional needs is paramount to the future of our community,” the statement added.
'NO RECORD'
In a statement to TheAvondhu, the Department of Education noted that the NCSE, which has statutory responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs, has advised the department that they are engaging with schools across the country, including schools in the Glanmire area, to open sufficient special classes to meet the needs of children with special educational needs.
“The NCSE advise the department, that they have sanctioned two additional special classes in the local school planning area. There are 9 existing special classes at primary level in the local school planning area, including one in Brooklodge N.S.
“The department has no record of any application from Brooklodge N.S. for additional accommodation for a second special class,” a spokesperson for the department said.
Continuing, it noted that the NCSE advised the department that they will continue to monitor the area and that the local NCSE Regional Management is engaging with schools in the area to ensure sufficient places for children are being established.