Article Updated: 4.40pm
Modular classrooms will be used to add capacity for children who faced being left out of Little Angels Special School this September.
The announcement was made this afternoon in response to a campaign by parents of up to 10 children who were told there would be no place for them in the new school year, despite the children’s complex needs requiring the special resources that the school provides.
Minister Charlie McConalogue announced: “Following intensive engagement between the Department of Education and HSE, an agreement has been reached which will see up to four modular classrooms from the current site continuing to be utilised, creating additional capacity at the school.
“I’m delighted for the children and their parents that they will be assured of a place at Little Angels for the new school year,” said the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy.
“I know that this is something that has been a source of stress and concern for the nine families who have applied for a place at Little Angels in September, and who had faced a number of weeks of uncertainty. Confirmation that places have been secured for all concerned will give the parents the much-needed certainty they need and deserve,” Minister McConalogue added.
“I’m delighted for the children and their parents that they will be assured of a place at Little Angels for the new school year,” the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy commented.
Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher added his thanks to the Minister and the HSE for securing this arrangement.
Deputy Gallagher said: “Special thanks to the parents for their perseverance thus ensuring a positive outcome and a final thanks to my Parliamentary colleagues all of whom worked closely together to secure a favourable outcome.”
Parents said they were left in limbo this week following a meeting with Special Education Minister Michael Moynihan on April 2nd, during which he promised there would be an update on Monday past.
The delay spurred the ‘Don’t Forget Our Little Angels’ campaign to schedule a protest in Letterkenny for this Sunday, April 13th. Parents also expressed disappointment over the Minister Moynihan sharing an update today through a radio interview and not through direct contact with families.
Members of the ‘Don’t Forget Our Little Angels Campaign’ say the resolution is the answer that they fought for.
“We are overjoyed to share that our beautiful children will have their well-deserved placements at Little Angels School this September,” they said.
A protest that was originally planned by families for this Sunday has been cancelled.
They said: “his is the news we fought so hard for. The sleepless nights, the tears, the anxiety — it wasn’t for nothing. Our voices were heard. And today, we celebrate a victory not just for our children, but for every child who needs a little extra help and love.”
