West Cork school to keep its early intervention autism unit
Having reviewed the matter, the National Council for Special Education has now given approval to the school for the retention of the class for 2022/2023.
A West Cork school is to keep its pre-school early intervention autism unit after plans to scrap the support were dropped.
Campaigners, politicians, and parents had feared the closure of an early intervention class in Kilbrittain National School would be the "first casualty" of a phased countrywide policy change.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) recently contacted the school to advise that it had “re-designated” its early intervention class for toddlers to an additional autism spectrum disorders (ASD) special class for older children.
This would have increased the number of ASD special classes in the school to three from the current two classes. However, it would have left the school with no early intervention class from next September despite the fact it has enough children enrolled for next year.
It is understood that, having reviewed the matter, the NCSE has now given approval to the school for the retention of the class for 2022/2023.
Kilbrittain NS principal Karen O'Donovan told the : “It is wonderful news. We will now be able to cater for 24 autistic children from preschool to primary.
“We look forward to welcoming existing and new families into our school and will continue to provide an inclusive education for all in our community.
“Sincere thanks to the parents, staff, public representatives and local media for ensuring the decision to close the class was overturned.”
She added she had been speaking to a number of parents last night and they are “both relieved and delighted”.
In addition, a new special class is being opened by the school to cater for children transitioning from this year’s early intervention class.
"This decision was taken following consideration of the needs of the area and the capacity of the school to make the additional provision," a spokesperson said.
It followed consultation with the school management.
Adam Harris, chief executive of Ireland's national autism charity AsIAm, had sought an urgent meeting with Education Minister Norma Foley after it emerged the pre-school unit was to be closed.
"We know, right across this country, there's a real shortage of appropriate supports for autistic children," he said.
"We're talking about people not being able to access therapies for [up to] seven years."
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