Sandelford Special School in Coleraine faces delays until October

Sandelford Special School in Coleraine is facing delays in the opening of new classrooms, which are now expected to be ready by early October 2024. This situation affects approximately 11 pupils, whose parents were informed by the Education Authority (EA) through a letter. The EA has acknowledged the significant pressure for placements at the school, which has seen a rise in demand for special education in recent years. To address this, the EA is providing additional accommodation to increase the school's capacity. In response to the delays, the EA is working closely with the school and families to minimize the impact on the affected children's learning. They have proposed a range of support measures, including home visits and tailored learning resources, to ensure a smooth transition into the new school environment. The EA emphasized that each family will receive a bespoke package to cater to the individual needs of their children. The school is committed to working with families during the first term to assess the children's needs and adjust their schedules accordingly. This approach allows for flexibility in the children's transition, ensuring that they can adapt to their new environment at their own pace. The EA has also stated that they are in constant communication with the on-site contractor to expedite the completion of the new classrooms. Despite the challenges posed by the delays, the EA is dedicated to keeping parents informed about the progress of the construction and ensuring that the children receive the necessary support during this period. The situation highlights the growing demand for special school placements in Northern Ireland, prompting discussions about the need for additional special schools in the region.