Eddie McGrady MP has commended the organisers of a number of information evenings held in Newcastle, Ballynahinch and Downpatrick, held in response to proposed changes to the education system for children with special needs.

Following detailed and informed representations from parents Mr McGrady is concern is that the Department of Education may be adopting a lower level and less expert approach to determine what type of intervention is appropriate for a child with special needs.

Such concerns are also extended to the proposed phasing out of the traditional special education statements which are to be replaced with co-ordinated support plans, whose tough criteria of ‘complex and multiple needs’ may deny access to special needs provisions which would have been provided for under the old system.  The MP for the area also shares the concern of parents that special needs teachers may be transferred from special needs schools to mainstream schools without additional recruitment.

The MP said;

“On becoming aware of these very serious concerns I made immediate representations to the Minster for Education. However on receiving the Minister’s response my fears are not allayed but rather increased. In response to concerns but forward by parents of children with Special Education Needs the Minister stated “It is a perception only that the proposals will reduce the role of parents in the process, rather than an explicit change of policy direction. It may be the case that some parents are making assumptions about the detailed proposals that have yet to be developed”

I am concerned that the Minister would appear to be brushing aside the very real and informed fears of parents who work every days at the coal face of special education needs, parents who have to continually fight for proper and adequate resources to meet their child’s needs. If it is the case, as the Minister says, that these proposals have yet to the fully developed then she must now listen to the Parents to ensure these proposals are developed correctly  

I will continue to gives my full support to PAPA, Down Mencap Society and Down District Disability Forum who are trying to raise awareness of this issue and I hope that with further representations and pressures the concerns of parents will be substantially addressed.

Ends.