Minister meets parents over concerns at Cork special school

The school reopened this week, following its closure on February 27. A number of parents have been attempting to raise serious concerns about issues at the school around staffing and services since 2024. Picture: Chani Anderson

The special education minister has committed to ensuring “every child is given the stability and resources they deserve” at a Cork special school which parents warn is in crisis.

Minister Michael Moynihan met with a group of parents whose children attend Carrigaline Community Special School (CCSS) on Tuesday to hear their concerns.

The school reopened this week, following its closure on February 27. A number of parents have been attempting to raise serious concerns about issues at the school around staffing and services since 2024.

On Monday, a mother spent the day outside the school after her son, 11, was refused entry as it reopened. In correspondence received on Monday evening, Fiona O'Leary, from Killeens, was told that the move was deemed a 'suspension'.

Ms O’Leary met with the school and her son's children's disability network team (CDNT) on Tuesday and plans to appeal. “He hasn’t been in school for nearly two weeks as the school was closed,” she said

There are procedures and policies schools must follow when it comes to excluding a student or placing them on a reduced timetable.

Ms O’Leary received an email at the weekend from the school to say her son’s needs could not be met before a meeting with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) and CDNT. 

She replied to the email saying she would be taking her son to school on Monday, feeling it could not exclude him when it was reopening to other pupils.

When she arrived at the school, the other pupils were already inside. The gates were locked, preventing her and her son from entering, she said. 

The school reopened this week, following its closure on February 27. A number of parents have been attempting to raise serious concerns about issues at the school around staffing and services since 2024. Picture: Chani Anderson

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said it cannot comment on the details of individual cases. “The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) continue to be available to support the family at local level.”

During last week’s closure, parents were told by the school’s patron, Cork Education and Training Board (ETB), that it needed to “work through a number of issues” after an incident on February 26 in which staff sustained injuries. 

The school was previously highlighted for its "alarming” pattern of suspensions.

Following the meeting with parents on Tuesday, a spokesman for Mr Moynihan said he is “deeply grateful to those who shared their experiences and clearly outlined the immense strain they sometimes feel". 

“The minister is determined to do what he can to ensure the school community is fully supported,” he added.

“He has committed to working closely with Department of Education officials and the Cork ETB to provide comprehensive support for the dedicated school staff, while ensuring every child is given the stability and resources they deserve."

Niamh O'Grady, whose child attends CCSS, said: "A major emergency response is needed for a major, emergency crisis. The school has to be saved, for all in it."  

A spokeswoman for Cork ETB said it does not comment on individual student matters. 

“As previously advised, Cork ETB, the Department of Education and Youth, and the NCSE continue to engage with the school on what additional supports may be necessary to support the school and families over the coming weeks.”

• Jess Casey is Education Correspondent.