Parents Alarmed by High Suspension Rates at Cork Special School

Parents of students at Carrigaline Community Special School (CCSS) in Cork are raising alarming concerns over the school’s suspension practices, describing the situation as a “crisis.” Since its establishment in 2021, CCSS, which caters to children aged four to eighteen with dual diagnoses of autism and intellectual disabilities, has issued a staggering 17 official suspensions for its maximum of 48 students over three years.

Niamh O’Grady, a parent of a child at CCSS, expressed her frustration, stating, “Most of these children would not understand the concept of suspension. All it does is cause stress and upset to parents.” This situation mirrors that of Rochestown Community Special School, which has also reported a significant suspension rate, issuing 14 suspensions between April and June 2024.

Concerns Over School Policies and Student Well-Being

Both CCSS and Rochestown Community Special School are operated by the Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB), the sole patron for new special schools in Cork in recent years. In September 2024, Cork ETB also opened North Cork Community Special School, as well as East Cork Community Special School, which began operations in early 2024.

Parents have previously contacted the Inspectorate and the Department of Education, demanding urgent action to investigate the high suspension rates. While suspensions at CCSS ceased in 2024 after concerns were raised, parents fear they may resume.

In addition to suspensions, parents have reported high levels of anxiety among students, raising questions about the school’s policies and overall culture. Frequent class closures and high staff turnover have compounded these issues. Many parents have indicated they would consider transferring their children to other schools if given the choice.

O’Grady highlighted a troubling trend, stating there seems to be a culture of “de facto” suspensions, where parents are routinely called to collect their children due to distress.

Lack of Support Services and Rising Anxiety

A significant issue identified by parents is the absence of full-time in-school therapies, such as behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language support. This lack of resources has led to increased levels of dysregulation among students, affecting their behavior. Despite the pressing needs, CCSS currently does not have a full-time behavioral therapist on site.

Another parent lamented the situation, saying, “We were the flagship school, and the flagship school is in crisis and has been for some time. You have children being penalized for behaviors intrinsic to their disabilities. It’s unprecedented. It’s as if they believe they need to unplug our children and reset them.”

Kieran Kennedy, family support manager at the Shine Centre, described the suspension rate at CCSS as “exceptionally high,” noting it is far beyond what is typical in other educational settings. He remarked, “There are a lot of children in that school who are suffering.”

In response to the growing concerns, Cork ETB stated that it is aware of the issues raised by parents and has engaged intensively with them. The organization emphasized that the care and welfare of students, as well as their educational progress, remains the top priority.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education confirmed that officials have been proactive in addressing these concerns, noting that Minister of State for Special Education, Michael Moynihan, along with department officials, has met with parent groups and school representatives to seek resolutions.

As the situation evolves, parents and stakeholders continue to call for immediate improvements to ensure that CCSS fulfills its mission of providing a supportive and nurturing environment for its students.