Early half-term for Omagh school due to staffing crisis

A TYRONE special school has been forced to close early for half-term because of staff shortages.

Omagh-based Arvalee had planned to close on Friday, but was forced to shut its doors two days earlier on Wednesday.

Special schools across the North are facing staff shortages because of a lack of substitute teachers, and absences of their own staff.

Arvalee principal, Jonathan Gray, spoke to the Tyrone Herald about the work his staff have had to undertake to keep the school open.

Mr Gray said, “This half-term, the school staff and pupils have been impacted by sickness, bereavements, and Covid-related issues which has meant that each day all the staff available have worked tirelessly to try and ensure that the school can open for the pupils.

“On Wednesday, we had a lengthy discussion with the chair of governors and the Education Authority, and considered all the issues that are impacting the school on the run up to the half-term break.

“This took into account the health and safety impact of the ongoing staffing pressures that the school is experiencing due to Covid-19 issues and other absences.

“After looking at all other options, the school was advised to close to provide a buffer of 10 days prior to opening on Monday, November 1.

“This decision was not taken lightly, and it is with a heavy heart that the school is required to close on Thursday, October 21, and Friday, October 22.”

Mr Gray said the school would open again on Monday, November 1.

“I am upset for the pupils and the families that the school has had to take this action but moving forward we will continue to strive to stay open,” Mr Gray added.

“It is our hope that this break will support us to open for all pupils in the next half of the term.

“It is so difficult to know or guess what the future will bring, but I remain optimistic that the school will move past this point, and I pray that there will be a settled period to take us up to Christmas.”

The Education Authority (EA) have said that special schools are finding it difficult to source staff and the lack of substitutes has led to class cancellations.

In a statement, the EA said, “Special schools are facing increased challenges in sourcing and recruiting staff.

“The limited availability of substitute teaching and non-teaching staff has in some cases, resulted in a number of class closures.”

By Thomas Maher