The Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast: Suspensions 'crisis' at Cork special school

Opened in 2021, Carrigaline Community Special School issued 17 official suspensions out of a maximum student body of just 48 in three years

Parents at the school told the Irish Examiner that they believe their children are being punished for behaviours linked to and consistent with their conditions.

Parents at a flagship special school in the Taoiseach’s constituency warned recently the school has handed out suspensions “like confetti”.

Opened by Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) in 2021, Carrigaline Community Special School (CCSS) issued 17 official suspensions out of a maximum student body of just 48 in three years.

Parents at the school told the Irish Examiner that they believe their children are being punished for behaviours linked to and consistent with their conditions. They point to a lack of in-school therapies, children being repeatedly sent home from school, and a high level of staff turnover.

In response to queries from the Irish Examiner on the issues raised, Cork ETB said it “is aware of the matters raised and has engaged intensively with parents around their concerns”.

In a statement, Cork ETB said: “The care and welfare of our students and their educational progress is always the number one priority for Cork ETB and for our special schools.” 

Irish Examiner education correspondent Jess Casey describes the issues on The Deirdre O’Shaughnessy Podcast.