Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has called on the Department of Education to scrap plans to review the designation of special schools ahead of the new term in September.
Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said:
“Schools catering for children with mild general learning disabilities are being put under pressure by the government to change their classification. This would result in these special schools catering instead for pupils with more complex needs.
“The Department’s intention to redesignate Mild General Learning Disability School resources is not only undermining the confidence of families, but also placing schools under intolerable strain as they prepare for the upcoming academic year.
“Given that the new term starts in just over two months’ time, any attempt by the Department to push through these changes would be completely unacceptable. It means school principals are being asked to plan enrolments, allocate resources and support their students, all while operating in a vacuum.
“The absence of any stakeholder engagement is creating confusion and emotional distress across our school communities. Sweeping reclassification of these schools risks displacing children from specialist environments that have been crucial to their development.
“What we are witnessing is a poorly defined, catch-all policy being implemented without sufficient foresight or consultation. The Department’s use of ambiguous terminology in its circular has left school communities fearing that children with mild learning disabilities will experience changes in the very environments where they have finally started to thrive.
“The emotional toll this uncertainty is taking on parents, education staff, and students should not be underestimated. Parents are distraught, while school staff are trying to reassure families without having any answers themselves.
“This situation must be resolved immediately. We cannot allow the reclassification of these schools to undo years of progress in inclusive education.
“I am again calling on the Minister for Education to reconsider her plans and ensure that schools currently designated for children with mild general learning disabilities will retain that classification.”
June 23, 2025