Education Authority decision on school crossing patrol risks pupil safety

The decision by the Education Authority not to allow Steelstown Primary School to recruit a School Crossing Patrol person is risking pupil safety.

The comment came from Catherine McDaid, the SDLP candidate for the Ballyarnett ward in the May 18 Local Government Elections.

Ms McDaid said: "This news has caused really significant concern for many parents like myself in the local area whose children attend this fantastic school.  

"Anyone who is familiar with the area knows that the school is situated at a very busy road and that a School Crossing Patrol person has been a vital measure to ensure pupils can get through our school gates safely in the morning.

"It seems totally counter-productive to me that the Education Authority is preventing the school from proceeding with this important recruitment process.  

“I am really worried that this decision puts pupil safety secondary to budgetary concerns and I am urging the Education Authority to review this decision urgently so that we can continue to prioritise the health and safety of our young people.”

 Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin, who has written to the Education Authority on the issue and said: "The fact that this recruitment has not been allowed to proceed is really misguided and actually very dangerous.

"The SDLP will continue to work with all those involved to try and find a resolution and will be making clear to the Department that this forced freeze of recruitment is risking pupil safety.”