Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke, has warned that Government plans to remove diagnosis as a requirement for entry to special schools and classes could have serious consequences for children with additional needs if proper safeguards and resources are not in place.
Deputy O’Rourke says no child should have to wait years for a diagnosis to receive educational support, but changing the rules will not address shortages of teachers, special needs assistants, therapists and specialist school places.
He has raised concerns about how children’s needs will be assessed and whether schools will have the resources to provide appropriate support.
Deputy O’Rourke is calling for meaningful engagement with schools, parents and disability organisations before the proposals proceed, and he joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss what needs to happen to ensure children receive the support they need.
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