Around 80 children with special educational needs (SEN) in Belfast face uncertainty about their schooling after being told no places are available at local SEN schools. The news has left parents on edge, particularly those whose children have complex conditions that require tailored support. For Amy Gibney, the anxiety is all too familiar - her son Levi's future education hangs in the balance.
Levi, who is autistic and non-verbal, has a severe learning disability and relies heavily on routine to cope with his daily life. His mother, Ms Gibney, described the situation as an 'uncertainty' that she would not wish on anyone, highlighting the critical need for stability in children's lives. The Education Authority (EA) has acknowledged the growing demand for SEN places, which currently outstrips available capacity.
The lack of suitable school places is particularly pressing because many SEN schools only offer education up to Primary 4 level, necessitating a transition to another school for pupils' remaining primary and secondary education. Nick Mathison, Chair of Stormont's education committee, condemned the situation as 'absolutely devastating' for affected families.
Sarah Duncan, whose eight-year-old son Aodhán also has autism, ADHD, and severe learning disabilities, is among those facing difficulties in securing a suitable school place. She expressed concern that the alternative options offered to her family do not meet Aodhán's complex needs and are beset by capacity issues.
For Ms Gibney and others like her, this latest development adds to their existing anxieties about securing the right education for their children. They have called on the EA to take decisive action to address the issue of SEN school places and provide more support for families in similar situations.