Proposals to close or merge special schools in Belfast off the table

by Gráinne Connolly

The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed today that proposals made last month to close and merge several special schools in Belfast are now off the table. 

A spokesperson for the EA said it's started a "series of engagements with parents, staff and governors on future investment" in the special schools' estate in Belfast as part of the Area Planning process. 

Dr Clare Mangan, Director of Children and Young People's Services said: 

"This engagement is driven by serious concerns, identified by both EA and ETI, about the poor standard of some school buildings and the impact on children and staff. 

"Our objective, through this engagement is to identify opportunities for future investment in special schools in Belfast. 

"EA anticipates that this process will take some time and will facilitate further opportunities for engagement.". 

EA Chief Executive, Gavin Boyd added: 

"At the conclusion of this process EA will bring forward development proposals. 

"Any such proposals would be subject to a full consultation process. 

"Parents should be assured that there will be no change to current provision in the immediate future."

Paul Maskey MP for West Belfast has shared the news on social media this afternoon. 

While he has welcomed the decision, he says the way in which the EA has handled the situation has been farcical: