Four Hundred children with special educational needs are still without school places

A Derry City and Strabane District councillor has said families need urgent certainty over school places.

Cllr Caitlin Deeney (Sinn Féin) has called on the Education Authority to ensure children with special educational needs have certainty over school places.

Cllr Deeney said: "I am deeply concerned by reports that almost 400 children with special educational needs are still without a school place for September.

“The Education Authority must give urgent certainty to families on what preparations are in place for September and work to fulfil their statutory duty to ensure every child has a suitable school placement.

“Savage Tory cuts to education is deepening the pressure facing our education system, we need the Executive formed now and parties working together to protect public services and support children and families.”