Special Schools Demand Urgent Action on Therapeutic Service Shortages
The sluggish progress in addressing therapeutic service shortages for students in special schools throughout Ireland has drawn the utmost concern from the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE).
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With more than 140 special schools preparing to reopen, NABMSE General Secretary Eileen O’Rourke has described the current situation as “glacial.” She emphasised that the lack of essential services like Speech and Language Therapy is having a “detrimental” impact on children’s development.
A new government pilot scheme has been announced, which will bring in-school therapeutic services to six special schools initially. Over the course of the following year, intentions are to expand this to ten more schools.
However, school leaders argue that this effort is “miniscule” compared to the overwhelming need. Many special schools continue to operate without any therapeutic supports, leaving children struggling to progress.
Lorraine Lowry, Principal of Scoil Chormaic in Cashel, expressed frustration over the limited reach of the pilot program. With over 220 children at her school, most have no access to essential psychological or physiotherapy services. She questioned the need for another pilot, stating that schools already know what is required and that action is needed now.
Parents Protest Against Therapeutic Service Shortages at St Killian’s Special School
Parents are also feeling the impact. In Cork, parents of children attending St Killian’s Special School are planning a protest. Their school has not been included in the pilot, despite having children with severe needs. Parents have described the situation as “an absolute disgrace,” highlighting the complete lack of therapeutic intervention since 2020.
The absence of these crucial services is leading to severe distress among pupils. Some children are exhibiting aggressive behaviours, which experts link to the lack of support.
This circumstance emphasises how urgently all special schools—not just a few—need to provide full therapeutic services. The call for immediate action is growing louder as the new school year approaches.
