Parents in Youghal campaign for new type of school for autistic children

Bridging the Gap Youghal estimates there are almost 100 pupils attending autism classes in primary schools across the East Cork and West Waterford region 

Parents Nikkie Foley, Neasa Ormond, John Phillips, Frances O’Callaghan, and Patricia O’Connell who said: 'Their needs are too much for mainstream, but yet not enough for a special school. They really are falling down the gap'. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Parents in Cork campaigning for a new type of school that bridges the gap for autistic students have called for action when it comes to children who do not “fit” the mould.

Bridging the Gap Youghal — a parent-led group in East Cork — is campaigning for the establishment of a new type of school to open locally for students who otherwise fall between mainstream and special education settings.

The group believes their children can access the second-level curriculum but in a different environment and with more supports than are currently on offer in the typical ASD class attached to a mainstream school.

Their children currently attend ASD classes in local primary schools.

(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

Since launching its campaign, Bridging the Gap Youghal has met with local TDs, councillors and special educational needs organisers, (SENOs), according to parent Patricia O’Connell.

“They all agree there is an imminent need for appropriate, special needs post-primary places that tie in with the current set up of ASD classes at primary school.

“Our children are in an ASD special class, where there are six children, one teacher, and two SNAs.

“We’re looking for that to continue on into secondary school. Our local schools don’t provide this at the moment, they provide things like hubs but they are not suitable for our children.

Their disability does not require a special school but they would really struggle in the mainstream.

“Their needs are too much for mainstream, but yet not enough for a special school. They really are falling down the gap.”

She said there is nothing available in East Cork that can provide what they need.

“My concern is that we’re another year along again, and we’re a year closer to our children finishing primary school. We have no plan in place, there’s no pathway in place for them to continue with their education in the same fashion as they are being educated in at the moment.”

Across the East Cork and West Waterford region, the group estimates there are almost 100 pupils attending autism classes in primary schools.

This does not include pupils who may attend mainstream primary schools but who require an autism class or special school at second level.

Bridging the Gap Youghal has called for the proposed school to implement the traditional Junior Cycle programme, as well as Level 2 Learning Programmes, designed to develop life, social and, vocational skills.

The proposal also calls for Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied programmes to be delivered.