EA ‘working at pace’ to enhance SEND support for Omagh children

THE Education Authority (EA) says it is ‘working at pace’ to address concerns raised by parents regarding the shortcomings in facilities and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the Omagh area.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the EA reassured parents that they are actively addressing these issues and working swiftly to enhance facilities and support locally.

They said, “Across the UK and Ireland there has been an unprecedented increase in the number of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and in their complexity of needs. In response the EA committed a significant amount of investment to increasing capacity and creating additional places across the education estate including within the Omagh area.”

“The EA are actively pursuing options to develop additional SEND provision classes. The EA have been successful in establishing provision within the Primary Sector, however options in Post Primary have to date been limited.

“The EA continue to work to increase capacity within the Omagh area.

“Engagement is ongoing with all stakeholders, and we welcome the support of schools in establishing provision across all sectors in order to meet the needs of children and young people in local communities.

“We absolutely recognise that this is a challenging situation for families. The EA would reassure all parents that we are working at pace to increase capacity for children with SEN and facilitate lasting transformation which ensures that all children and young people receive the right support, delivered by the right people, at the right time and in the right place.”

Local principals have identified a ‘lack of investment’ as a primary reason for insufficient support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Omagh area.

Christos Gaitatzis, head of Omagh High Scool, stressed the importance of an inclusive approach, stating, “Significant investment is required for ASD and other educational needs.

“A strategy of inclusivity for all ASD pupils is paramount and it can be achieved throughout the existing network of schools.”

Mr Gaitatzis proposed several measures to address the shortfall in resources, including additional funding from the Department of Education for Northern Ireland (DENI), enhanced training for staff regarding ASD, and the establishment of an ASD hub to provide guidance and support to mainstream schools.

“Currently, there is not enough resources offered to the mainstream schools to run any type of unit,” he added.

Jonathan Gray, principal of Arvalee School and Resource Centre, echoed these sentiments.

“The need for this support is about more than simply provision or accommodation, this is about ensuring that the educational and well being needs of the children and young people who are autistic are met,” he stated.

Mr Gray attributed the current shortcomings in ASD support to a lack of investment in education.

However, he expressed optimism about the potential for improvement, particularly with the development of the Strule Education Campus.

“We have an opportunity, with the development of the campus, to surround young people with all the support to meet their individual needs, and enhance their learning and development.”