Alex Easton MP has called on the Education Minister to urgently intervene to address the growing crisis in Special Educational Needs provision across North Down and Ards, following concerns raised by local mother Nicky Moore regarding her four-year-old twins, Alfie and Archie McDonagh.
The boys, who both have significant emotional, communication and behavioural needs, have reportedly only been offered one SEN school place between them by the Education Authority. The family has also been advised to consider a placement in Belfast, something which is simply not practical given the boys’ complex needs and circumstances.
Speaking on the issue, Alex Easton MP said:
“Families across North Down and Ards are being failed by a system that is clearly struggling to cope with demand. It is completely unacceptable that parents are left fearing their children may not even have a suitable school place by September.
In this particular case, twins Alfie and Archie have complex needs and should not be separated or expected to travel unreasonable distances simply because there are not enough local SEN places available.
The fact that the family has been told to consider Belfast highlights the severe shortage of specialist provision within our own borough. Parents should not have to fight this hard just to secure appropriate education for their children.
I am also deeply concerned at reports of two to three year waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments at the Scrabo Centre in Newtownards. Early intervention is absolutely critical for children with additional needs, and these delays risk having a long-term impact on both the children and their families.”
Mr Easton said urgent action is needed from both the Education Authority and the Department of Education to increase SEN capacity locally and reduce assessment waiting times.
“There needs to be immediate intervention from the Education Minister to ensure more SEN school places are created across North Down and Ards. The current situation is placing enormous emotional and financial pressure on families who are already facing very difficult circumstances.
Every child deserves access to appropriate education and support within a reasonable distance from their home. Local families deserve far better than this.”
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
