Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has today raised serious concerns regarding the government’s plans to re-designate special schools so that they will no longer cater for children with mild-general learning disabilities (MGLD). Deputy Brady has warned that this move will leave many vulnerable children and families in limbo and risks further exacerbating existing inequalities in the education system.
“Children with MGLD already face huge barriers in accessing appropriate school places within mainstream settings”, Deputy Brady said. “Now, with the government’s plan to exclude them from special schools, we are looking at a situation where children with additional needs may be left without any clear educational path that is appropriate for their needs. The Department of Education has yet to outline clear plans for how mainstream schools will meet their needs and what additional supports, if any, will be provided”.
Deputy Brady highlighted that many of these children were originally placed in mainstream schools but had moved to special schools because their needs simply were not being met.
“Parents of children with additional needs are constantly forced to fight tooth and nail for the most basic supports, SNA allocations, resource hours and therapeutic interventions. Far too often, they have been left battling a broken system. Now, those whose children finally found a suitable placement in a special school are being told option may no longer be available. This is causing huge distress amongst families, and I am hearing from many parents who are extremely worried about what the future holds for their children”.
He stressed the potential harm this disruption could cause to children’s development.
“Being uprooted from a setting where a child feels safe, supported, and understood can have devastating effects. This isn’t just about school places; it is about safeguarding children’s basic educational rights and ensuring they are not failed by a system that is meant to support them”.
Deputy Brady also raised concerns about the potential loss of access to therapeutic services if children are moved from special schools to mainstream environments.
“Many children in special schools receive essential speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and access to psychological services. These are not consistently available in mainstream schools. Without proper planning and serious investment, this move will strip children of the very supports that will allow them to thrive”.
Deputy Brady concluded by calling on the Fine Gael Minister for Education to urgently clarify the government’s position and commit to real investment in the education system.
“This is yet another example of this government putting a plaster over a crack instead of making meaningful investment in our education system, particularly in the area of special educational needs. I am urging the Minister to halt this plan until there is a clear, resourced, and rights-based strategy for children with MGLD. Anything less is a betrayal of those children and their families”.