Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has demanded immediate clarity for parents on the new Edel Quinn School on the Boghall Road in Bray, describing the ongoing uncertainty as “an insult” just weeks before the start of the new school year.
Deputy Brady's comments come after the Department confirmed that the special school will cater for children aged 4 to 18 with autism and complex educational needs, with six special classes planned for its opening. The school will be staffed by a principal, an administrative deputy principal and six teaching staff.
Teachta Brady said:
“This school was announced in April.
“Ever since, I have been inundated with parents, as well as Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), seeking information and clarity.
“While I have managed to secure some additional information from the Department of Education, parents are still being left in the dark on the most basic and important questions regarding admissions and enrolment.
“The Department has confirmed to me that the new school, to be known as the Edel Quinn School will be located at the St. Fergal’s National School on the Boghall Road in Bray and will cater for children and young people aged between 4 and 18 with autism and complex educational needs.
“I have also established that the school is being planned with six special classes and that staffing will include a principal, an administrative deputy principal and six teaching staff.
“The role of principal was advertised with a closing date of June 9th and a commencement date of June 23rd, but we do not have confirmation that this position has been filled.
“We are now approaching July and just weeks away from the beginning of the new school term, yet parents are still none the wiser as to how they can apply for a place for their child, what the enrolment criteria will be, or even how many places will be available.
“This is an absolute insult.
“The vacuum of information surrounding admissions is deeply worrying and raises serious concerns among families who have been waiting far too long for additional special school places in Wicklow.
“The level of interest in this school only serves to demonstrate the absolute necessity for additional special school provision in the county.
“Parents and families should not be left in the dark as they seek basic information about a school that is due to open within weeks.
“Immediate clarity is needed on timelines, admissions processes, enrolment criteria, the number of places available and how those places will be allocated.
“These are not unreasonable requests. They are basic pieces of information that should already have been provided.
“I will continue to press the Minister and the Department for transparency, accountability and urgency so that children with additional needs in Wicklow can access the education they deserve.”
ENDS