Social Democrats TD and education spokesperson Jen Cummins has called on Minister for Education Helen McEntee to “urgently clarify” whether the government plans to redesignate special schools which cater to children who have mild general learning disabilities.
Last week, Minister of State at the Department of Education, Michael Moynihan said in a written response to Cumnins “the vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.”
“Many schools originally established under a particular designation of student need, including those providing education for students with a mild general learning disability have, and continue to diversify. These schools now respond to a broader range of students’ needs from within their respective catchment areas. This is in keeping with my departments policy on an inclusive education and facilitates students with more complex needs to be educated in their local special school,” he said.
Cummins said “in their rush to try to find a solution to this crisis, there are now fears that the Minister will damage one aspect of the system that is actually working – schools which specifically cater to children with mild general learning difficulties (or MGLD).
Statistics from the Dublin South Central TD found that there are 30 schools catering for more than 3,000 chilren across Ireland.
“Children who attend these schools have often had bad experiences of mainstream classes, but have thrived in a learning environment that is specifically designed to cater to their needs,” she explained.
“Now, with a stroke of a pen, the Department is seeking to change the designation of these schools from MGLD to complex needs.”
“Instead of creating new school places, this simply redesignates existing capacity – and risks pushing children with MGLD back into mainstream classes which have already failed them.
Cummins said has been zero consultation with existing schools about this proposed redesignation.
“The Minister and the Department appear to be determined to act unilaterally to irrevocably change the designation and damage schools which have been lifelines for children and parents.”
“Every child deserves not just a school place – but an appropriate place. One that will help them to reach their full potential.”
“Ripping up a system that has been built around the needs of children, and seeking to make it catch-all overnight, will just mean that more children are failed,” the Social Democrats TD said.
“The Minister must urgently clarify her plans to redesignate these schools and explain why she has failed to engage with these schools to date.”