The new Special Unit will provide support to children with complex speech and language difficulties, hearing impairment or some motor skill disorders who would benefit from being placed in a class attached to the mainstream school.
Commenting on the decision, Ms Ruane said: "This new unit will enable children to access small group teaching and periods of individualised support, as well as benefiting from social and curricular integration with their mainstream peers, as part of a planned framework of intervention. They offer parents another choice in the type of provision they feel is best suited to their child's need.
“The schools that cater for children with special needs have a very important role in education and I would pay tribute to all working in this area. I know that the closure of St Frances de Salles and the transfer of the children to St Teresa’s has been well managed to minimise disruption to the children and I wish them well in their new school.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Belfast Education and Library Board published Development Proposals, numbers 186 and 187 in the week commencing 22 February 2008.
- The Trustees propose to close the St Francis De Salles Special School and establish a new unit at St Teresa’s Primary School with effect from 1 September 2008, or as soon as possible thereafter. The two-month period for objections ended on 22 April 2008 and no objections to the proposals were received.
- The new unit, attached to the mainstream primary school will cater for children at Nursery, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 levels.
- Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
