The board of management at Brooklodge National School in Glanmire, Cork, is reeling from the devastating news that the promised second special education class and purpose-built modular building will no longer be provided. Last November, the school was given a commitment for funding for a second class for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), along with a modular building to accommodate these classes.
However, Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O’Sullivan revealed to The Echo that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has now withdrawn the sanction for the additional class and building. This decision comes after a review by the Department of Education found that there are enough special education spaces in other schools in the area.
Mr. O’Sullivan expressed deep concern over this development, emphasizing that schools had already made plans and enrolled children in anticipation of the new class. He called on Education Minister Norma Foley to honor the commitment made last year and reinstate the modular ASD class at Brooklodge NS.
A Department of Education spokesperson stated that the NCSE had sanctioned two additional special classes in the local school planning area, but the need for additional classes at schools like Brooklodge NS is still being considered. Parents seeking special class placements for their children were advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes.
Labour Party councillor John Maher urged the new Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education, Hildegard Naughton, to visit Brooklodge NS urgently and address the school’s needs. The community is looking for swift action to ensure that children with special educational needs are properly supported.