Minister commits to having a school place for every child who needs a special education

Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee also intends to introduce a common application system for special schools 'as soon as possible'. File picture: Maxwell Photography

The Minister for Education has committed to ensuring that every child who needs a special education school place will have one come September.

Helen McEntee was speaking at the launch of this year’s summer programmes, a voluntary programme aimed at children with different educational needs.

The programme, previously known as ‘July provision’, is especially important for children with special educational needs who need continued support throughout the summer break from school. Ms McEntee said it is her intention that every single child will have a place.

This week the minister as well as Minister of State for Special Education, Michael Moynihan, met with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).  

“We've given a very clear commitment again this year that there will be 400 new classes opened," she said. “We are working towards that target, and that will ensure that every single child who needs a place will get one.” 

Ms McEntee also intends to introduce a common application system for special schools “as soon as possible".

“This is one of the most challenging things for parents, to have to apply for potentially 20 or 30 schools, and get in as many rejection letters,” she said.

This year's summer programmes include a primary school scheme for pupils in mainstream classes, a DEIS-expanded literacy and numeracy summer camp, a post-primary scheme, a home-based programme and a pilot special schools programmed aimed at supporting special schools.

This year, a 'holiday hunger' pilot project will see meals available at eligible schools.