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13/04/2018
Alliance Slams Handling Of Special Schools Proposals
The Alliance Party has hit out at the Education Authority's (EA) handling of proposals relating to special schools in Belfast.
The party's Education spokesperson, Chris Lyttle MLA, called the handling of the matter "shambolic" after receiving word from the body that it would not be publishing proposals into the future of the schools.
It was believed the proposals were scheduled for pre-publication consultation this month, with official development proposals published for two-month public consultation in the autumn.
Mr Lyttle said: "The Education Authority handling of this matter has been shambolic.
"After information was provided to parents last month, it is my understanding they will not now be published.
"Instead EA will engage directly with parents of pupils, which is what they should have done from the start. There is a need for urgent clarification to staff, parents and the wider community on what exactly is being proposed for the future of the schools.
"Special schools need investment, that much is clear. But the Education Authority needs to clearly communicate its thoughts and plans for costed, child-centred proposals so that the future of special school provision in Belfast can be openly discussed."
(LM/MH)
The party's Education spokesperson, Chris Lyttle MLA, called the handling of the matter "shambolic" after receiving word from the body that it would not be publishing proposals into the future of the schools.
It was believed the proposals were scheduled for pre-publication consultation this month, with official development proposals published for two-month public consultation in the autumn.
Mr Lyttle said: "The Education Authority handling of this matter has been shambolic.
"After information was provided to parents last month, it is my understanding they will not now be published.
"Instead EA will engage directly with parents of pupils, which is what they should have done from the start. There is a need for urgent clarification to staff, parents and the wider community on what exactly is being proposed for the future of the schools.
"Special schools need investment, that much is clear. But the Education Authority needs to clearly communicate its thoughts and plans for costed, child-centred proposals so that the future of special school provision in Belfast can be openly discussed."
(LM/MH)
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