Mayo's special education schools facing prospect of reopening on Monday

Special education schools in Mayo are facing the prospect of reopening on Monday despite the rapid rise in Covid infections across the county in recent weeks.

The Minister for State for Special Education and Inclusion, Josepha Madigan, has explained how 124 special schools nationally and 1,836 special classes in 964 schools serving approximately two per cent of the school population – 18,552 children with complex special needs – will return following the extended Christmas break on January 11.

Minister Madigan outlined: “The spread of Covid-19 over recent weeks has made it necessary to put in place exceptional measures so that our education system can continue to serve our students while also ensuring we protect public health.

"Following advice from NPHET and the Chief Medical Officer, we are taking action in the interests of students and school staff.

"While medical evidence demonstrates that our schools are safe, it is vital that people be given the fullest opportunity to restrict their movements and avoid travelling outside the home unless absolutely necessary.

“As Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, I am fully aware of the impact that previous school closures have had on our most vulnerable students, particularly those with additional needs.

"It is for this reason that I have sought to maintain specific provision for special education at this time, including ensuring that special schools and special classes can remain open.

"It is clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to education provision during this pandemic will not benefit every student.

"I do not want to see the educational progress of students in special schools and special classes negatively impacted at this time.

"We know how much of a difference this daily school structure and support makes in their lives and I will continue to ensure that they receive this necessary support over the coming weeks.

"I am pleased that there is a commitment to continue dedicated provision for students with special educational needs in mainstream education and I am grateful to all the teachers in this regard for their work and engagement.

"Guidance on special education has been issued to mainstream schools and this will be continuously monitored.

“I want to reiterate my gratitude to all school staff, including special needs assistants and special education teachers, as well as families for their dedication and commitment to students and our education system.

"I welcome the continued financial and logistical supports that are being provided to schools, including special schools.

"Our school communities are diverse, and it is vital that this diversity of need is recognised in how we deliver education.

"I will continue to advocate for the special education sector and for the maintenance of inclusive school communities in the days and weeks ahead.

"With the support and cooperation of all partners in education, families, and students, I know we can prevail.”

The Department of Education has stated it has put in place a range of supports for schools, which will continue during this period.

Funding for PPE has been provided to all schools. The enhanced arrangements for substitution and replacement will continue to apply.

Enhanced school teams have been put in place with additional resources form the Department of Education’s Inspectorate to support the public health school teams.

The advisory supports by the Department of Education Inspectorate will continue to support schools during this period.

The guidance and support on wellbeing from the National Educational Psychological services will be promoted to schools during this period.

School transport services will continue to be available for all eligible students who are attending school over this period.

School buildings will be open to allow for staff to facilitate distance learning. Teachers, SNAs and other school staff are allowed to travel to school as essential workers.

Schools will be asked to make arrangements to facilitate the collection of books by students and parents in a safe manner as soon as possible.

Schools’ guidance services and supports will continue to be available to students during this period and can be made available in the manner deemed appropriate by the school.

In line with the underlying rationale of the further public health measures announced, school authorities should not undertake any non-essential maintenance/construction works at this time (including those which may have been envisaged under minor works grant funding).

The Department of Education confirms that school building projects providing essential additional capacity or involving essential maintenance/refurbishment works are regarded as “essential construction” and may therefore continue in line with the government decision.

CONCERNED

Last September an urgent call was issued for the Department of Education to address concerns of the special needs education sector in Mayo.

The county's four special schools – St. Anthony's and St. Brid's in Castlebar and St. Dymphna's and St. Nicholas' in Ballina - were deeply concerned at the time that their unique requirements had not been adequately addressed by the Department of Education in its schools roadmap.

Up to 150 students between the ages of 4 and 18 attend the four schools, travelling from many parts of the county to their respective centres in the two towns.

A spokesperson for the Mayo special education sector said the task of reopening was made additionally difficult by a failure of the department to take into account the extra challenges facing vulnerable pupils.

They were also particularly worried by the operation of the school transport scheme for special needs children coming from many different parts of the county.