Cork parents start campaign for new school to bridge education gap for autistic students

Parents have called for a school to implement the traditional Junior Cycle programme, as well as Level 2 Learning Programmes , which are designed to develop essential life, social and vocational skills for students with additional learning needs

(Left to right) Colm Foley, his mother Nikkie Foley, Jack Ormond, his mother Neasa, Grace O'Connell, her mother Patricia, John Phillips, his son Sebastian, and Frances O’Callaghan. The members of the 'Bridging the Gap' group believe their children can access the mainstream second-level curriculum but in a different environment and with more supports. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Parents have launched a campaign for a new type of school that bridges the gap for autistic students who might otherwise fall between mainstream and special education settings.

The call for a new school comes after the parent-led group ‘Bridging the Gap’ identified shortcomings in school place provision in Cork, as well as gaps in the current model of education for children who do not “fit” the mould.

The parents believe their children can access the mainstream second-level curriculum but in a different environment and with more supports than what are currently on offer in the typical ASD class.

According to the group, the proposed school would provide essential resources and support while also allowing more children access to a suitable education in Youghal and the surrounding areas.

Across the East Cork and West Waterford region, there are almost 100 primary school students attending autism classes feeding into just 18 secondary schools at Pobalscoil na Tríonóide. This figure does not include the number of students who may attend mainstream primary schools but who require an autism class or special school at second level.

Parents have called for the school to implement the traditional Junior Cycle programme, as well as Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs), which are designed to develop essential life, social and vocational skills for students with additional learning needs. The proposal calls for Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied programmes to be also delivered.

“Inclusive education is not just about access," said John Phillips. chairperson of Bridging the Gap Youghal. “This school will help bridge the gap for students who might otherwise fall between mainstream and special education settings.” 

With hundreds of children across Ireland waiting for special school places, the initiative is aiming to provide a tailored learning environment that aligns with national legislation, most notable the EPSEN Act 2004, the Disability Act 2005 as well as international commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Members of the 'Bridging the Gap' group Neasa Ormond and Patricia O'Connell said that "time is of the essence" when it comes to this project. Their children are in third and fourth class in local primary schools in East Cork and they need to know that their children will have a school to attend, appropriate for their learning needs.

Since 2020, more than 1,700 special classes in mainstream schools have been sanctioned by the Department of Education, and 11 special schools have been opened. 

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Demand for special classes and special education is expected to continue, especially at post-primary level. The Department of Education predicts it needs to open up to 400 new classes and create 300 places in special education for the next three years to meet expanding demographics. 

In Munster, 104 new classes are expected to open from this September. This includes 39 in Cork. Despite this, a significant cohort of students have yet to be offered a school place. 

The National Council for Special Education is expected to sanction additional new classes in the coming weeks.