Department of Health, Permanent Secretary, Mike Farrar has criticised the Education Authority’s decision to close down summer schools for children with special educational needs and that every effort will be made to ensure that alternative support can be put in place to lessen the impact of the EA decision.
The criticism comes hours after the Education Authority (EA) released a statement explaining that summer schemes at NI special schools will not take place this year, due to “concerns about the adequacy of health care provision for vulnerable participating children.”
However, DoH Permanent Secretary, Mr Farrar disputed this in his response and said that “based on clinical advice, the safe delivery of these summer schemes does not require onsite registered nursing provision in all sites”.
“The CCNs provide healthcare support to children with complex healthcare needs within the community including those requiring palliative care as well as providing support to children attending SEN schools.
Mr Farrar continued: “The cancellation of these schemes will also directly lead to pressure on already stretched respite services for a significant number of these children who have very complex needs and we fully acknowledge and appreciate the concerns that families will understandably have.
“We remain committed to supporting schools to address the health needs of children with special educational needs and work is ongoing to consider the best model for nursing provision in special schools.”
Meanwhile, the EA has said that its “firm view” is that “consistent provincewide and year-round nurse-led provision for all special schools is required”.
“Its current absence – in the context of greater complexity of health needs – has created growing pressures and concerns for the welfare of children in term time.
“The risks are much greater in the summer months when there is inevitably reduced staffing availability for summer schemes, with the schools themselves being closed.
“Pending the establishment of a permanent year-round nurse-led service, this year’s summer schemes could only safely proceed with the short-term measure of on-site nursing cover. That has now been ruled out by health service colleagues.
“We will continue to work with DoH and the wider HSC system to secure permanent nurse-led cover for schools. Our absolute priority must continue to be the welfare and safety of children and young people in our care.”
