Paige (11) ‘full of anxiety’ after losing her place at school in September

A WEST Belfast mother says her daughter is “full of anxiety” after being left without a school place in September.

Tricia Donaghy, of Springfield Road, contacted Andersonstown News to express her frustration and concern that her daughter, Paige (11), had been left in limbo over the summer.

Paige has just finished St Clare’s Primary School and is one of many children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) who are without a place. Paige has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and requires extra one-to-one help with her learning.

Earlier this year, Education Minister Paul Givan said there were more than 1,000 students with special educational needs who needed a school place in September.

Tricia explained: “We applied to a number of schools. Paige has been offered a repeat P7 but she’ll probably be in the same situation exactly this time next year.

“She’s really worried. All her friends have schools to go to in September. They’re all getting their uniforms ready and are really excited. I’m supposed to be getting Paige ready for her transition to high school.

“There simply aren’t enough places for SEN children. More purpose-built schools are needed.”

On polling day last week, Tricia distributed photos of Paige to local politicians in an attempt to highlight her plight. Tricia says the Education Authority needs to do more to help parents.

“Surely the Education Authority knows that these children are finishing primary school and need a place to go afterwards,” Tricia added.

“I was contacted this week saying I have a new Link Officer who will be in touch over the summer about the situation. I am in a group with other parents of SEN children and they have all received the same correspondence.

“As a mother, I feel a bit helpless and I’m getting more anxious as the days go by. Paige is on vacation right now, but she’s so anxious she can’t enjoy it.

“The Education Authority needs to address this. Children with special educational needs should not be left with this anxiety.”

An Education Authority spokesperson said: “We fully understand that this is an anxious time for families and we are committed to ensuring that all children with Special Educational Needs are offered an appropriate school place that meets their needs.

“As part of our commitment to ensuring families have support and information, all parents/carers of children without a school place were updated on 28 June and 8 July.

“The latest update for families included details of their dedicated Family Support Link Officer, who will provide tailored support until a placement is confirmed.

“In this specific case, we continue to consult with the family and appropriate schools regarding the student’s placement. This is an ongoing process, and we cannot anticipate the outcome of it.”