Boost for special school nurseries

Boost for special school nurseries

26 October 2016

A REVIEW of nursery provision for children with special needs is underway.

The Education Authority (EA) yesterday launched the review aimed at developing high quality nursery care for all pre-school children who require a specialist setting.

The review was ordered by former Education Minister John O’Dowd six months ago following a parental backlash to plans to cut existing provision.

This included a campaign by parents of children at Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick to have full hours reinstated for their children after news their school day would be almost halved.

Addressing special school principals at a meeting in Parkview Special School in Lisburn yesterday, Education Authority chief executive Gavin Boyd said it was vital to ensure that children across Northern Ireland have consistent access to high quality, fit for purpose education close to where they live. 

“For children with learning difficulties who require additional support, our key focus must always be on the needs of the children and how we can best meet those needs,” he said.

“The first part of the review process is entirely focused on the views of those who know these children best. 

“This includes their parents, teachers, principals and the staff who support them in school and at home every day.”

EA chairwoman Sharon O’Connor said the launch of the review was a positive step towards ensuring that the special education provision for nursery age children is developed with full consideration of the views of the widest possible range of stakeholders.

“We want to be innovative and forward looking in our approach and we are seeking to provide the best possible support for children with special educational needs,” she said.

A public consultation about the review will begin in January with changers expected to be fully implemented by September 2018.”