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.