Principal hits out at Department for not trusting schools on their pupils' special education needs

Owenabue ETNS principal Trina Golden says: 'The schools have the data on pupils with complex needs in their school and they're the ones with the most up-to-date data. They’re the ones that know the kids best.' Stock picture: Danny Lawson/PA

A Cork school principal has criticised the Department of Education for “not trusting” principals to supply accurate information on children with complex needs amid concerns that special education hours may be cut further.

Owenabue Educate Together National School principal Catriona Golden said the new Special Education Teaching (SET) allocation model will have a “significant impact” on her school, with hours likely to be cut for her pupils.