A four-year-old boy with autism and additional learning needs has narrowly secured a primary school place for September and he’s just one suffering as a result of an endemic Special Educational Needs (SEN) problem in Northern Ireland, says his mum.
Jake Harrison – from Markethill – is due to start Primary 1 in the new academic year and due to being non-verbal with additional learning needs he requires placement within a specialist setting.
His mum, Megan asserts this need for specialist provision has been backed up by Educational Psychologists in his Statement of Educational Need.
However, after “months of waiting” Megan learned on Monday (June 23) that there was no “spaces in any specialist provisions in the Armagh/Portadown/Craigavon areas” leaving little Jake – at that time – without primary school placement.
She had applied to the Armstrong Primary and Gilford Primary – both of which have special educational needs departments – however, both applications were unsuccessful.
Speaking to Armagh I, Megan said: “As you can imagine we are totally devastated especially after such a tough pre-school year and the way in which my son was treated. I had hoped that this year would be different.
“Instead now I am being offered a mainstream place somewhere which is completely unsuitable for my son.
“The Education Authority are completely failing SEN children all over Northern Ireland.
“My son deserves and needs a place in a specialist provision. More schools need to be opened up or something has to change.”
In regards to Jake being placed in a mainstream school, Megan says there is just “no way” she could send him. Jake needs one-to-one assistance, in a smaller classroom setting with teachers and classroom assistants have specialist training to support his needs and he will also need access to an amended curriculum.
“It’s not fair,” said Megan. “It’s mad the amount of SEN children left without places and it’s just getting worse as the years go on.”
After initially speaking with Megan on Monday (June 23), she contacted Armagh I again on Thursday (June 26) to say that Jake had finally been offered a suitable school place.
In the update, Megan said: “I had been on the Stephen Nolan Show with a couple of others mums to talk about what’s going on. Later that day I received a phone call from my Link Officer to say that Jake had a place.
“We managed to get Seagoe Primary School in Portadown and there are only eight children in that unit so that’s brilliant for my son.
“But I still think the issue needs to be highlighted as there are so many children left without and my heart breaks for them.”
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has said the Executive is failing young people with special educational needs (SEN).
He was speaking after the Economy Minister outlined new support for young people with SEN after they leave school.
Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: “While there are some welcome elements in the Minister’s statement, it’s clear that the proposals fall far short of what is needed.
“Campaigners like Alma White and her Caleb’s Cause group have given a voice to SEN families, articulating their fears and frustrations, alongside extraordinary work raising awareness of the challenges faced by SEN young people beyond the classroom.
“Parents feel like their children are invisible, and sadly, once again, their pleas have been ignored.
“Young people with SEN deserve the same opportunities for further education, employment and independence as any other young person in our society. They cannot be abandoned the moment they leave school. Their families need real, tailored support, not vague promises and policy gestures.
“This is another example of Executive Ministers working in silos, failing to deliver coordinated or meaningful change. Families aren’t asking for the earth, but today’s announcement reflects the illusion of delivery while doing little to tackle the core issue. SEN support must be joined-up, fully resourced and deliver dignity and equality.”
On Wednesday (June 25) Belfast Live reported that Education Authority Chief Executive Richard Pengelly warned that 164 children with special needs may not have a school to go to in September due to a “critical shortage” of places.
According to the report the Chief Executive explained that “despite creating over 5,000 additional SEN places in recent years, there are still not enough for the number of children who need them”.
It added: “Twenty-seven specialist provision classes are needed across NI to meet the demand, with the Chief Executive saying the Education Minister Paul Givan has written to 58 schools in high pressure locations asking them to expand their specialist provision”.
