Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has expressed serious concern following the Department of Education’s decision not to approve an additional Summer Provision autism class at St. Coen’s National School in Rathnew, despite clear evidence of need.
Deputy Brady said the decision will leave some of the school’s most vulnerable pupils without access to vital educational and support services over the summer period and reflects wider shortcomings in the provision of supports for children with additional needs across the state.
Teachta Brady said:
“The decision to refuse an additional Summer Provision autism class for St. Coen’s National School in Rathnew is deeply concerning.
“This is a DEIS Band 1 school that has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting children with additional needs and has a clear requirement for an additional class this summer.
“The school currently has 16 pupils with very high support needs who would benefit from Summer Provision supports. However, under the current allocation, only 12 of those children can be accommodated.
“As a result, four children with significant support needs will be left without access to a school based Summer Provision placement, despite the school having the willingness to provide it.
“What makes this situation even more frustrating is that the school had proactively arranged staffing for the programme, including a teacher and two SNAs, in anticipation of approval.
“The accommodation, staffing and demand are all there, yet the Department has failed to sanction the additional class.
“This defies logic.
“Summer Provision programmes provide vital continuity, structure, social interaction and educational support for children with additional needs.
“For many families, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, these supports are invaluable. Denying access to children who clearly require these services is simply unacceptable.
“With Summer Provision due to begin in July, I have raised this matter with the Minister for Education and the Department as a matter of urgency and will continue to press for an immediate review of this decision.
“Children with additional needs deserve better, and families should not be left wondering whether essential supports will be available to them.”
ENDS