Special school summer scheme decision ‘unacceptable’, MLA says

It is “unacceptable” that special school summer schemes will not take place this year, a Sinn Fein MLA has said.

The schemes, which provide support for children with additional needs over the summer, will not go ahead because of concerns about the healthcare available for participating pupils.

The Education Authority said it had attempted to avoid the move through repeated engagement with the Department of Health.

It said it had “made clear” that onsite nursing cover would be required for summer schemes to be held safely.

However, the authority said the department had confirmed this will not be available.

In a statement, the Education Authority said: “This decision has been taken solely on safety grounds.

“We deeply regret it and fully understand that it will be very distressing for children and parents.”

The authority said it acknowledged the pressures facing the health service, and that it would continue to work to resolve the issue of healthcare provision for special school pupils.

It said its view was that “consistent province-wide and year-round nurse-led provision for all special schools is required”.

It added: “Its current absence, in the context of greater complexity of health needs, has created growing pressures and concerns for the welfare of children in term time.

“The risks are much greater in the summer months when there is inevitably reduced staffing availability for summer schemes, with the schools themselves being closed.”

Sinn Fein’s Cathy Mason called for relevant ministers to “find a solution”.

In a statement she said: “It is unacceptable that the health and education ministers could not come up with a solution to continue this much-needed provision this summer.

“These special school summer schemes are a lifeline for many families, providing vital respite and important support for children with complex needs.

“In recent days we have seen the education minister attempt to deflect from his failings in improving the education system, instead he should be focused on protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

“I will be writing to both ministers to challenge this decision and to press them to get their heads together and find a solution that works for these children, their families and their schools.”