Cork Parents Demand Action as Special School Faces Crisis

UPDATE: Parents of children attending Carrigaline Community Special School (CCSS) in Cork are raising urgent alarm over a growing crisis in special education. Parents have reported escalating issues including high staff turnover, inadequate therapeutic support, and an alarming suspension rate, with 17 suspensions issued since the school opened in 2021.

The situation is dire as parents express that their children are receiving no proper education amid a lack of foundational services. Many families have resorted to legal advice after being offered home tuition instead of school placements, which is insufficient for students with complex needs. A recent letter from parents warned that the school is in a “state of crisis,” pleading for immediate intervention from authorities.

In a shocking statement, Niamh O’Grady, a parent of a child at CCSS, stated, “We have tried everything and waited for positive responses. Our children can’t wait anymore.” The school’s high suspension rates have been particularly concerning, with parents asserting that many students do not comprehend the concept of suspension, causing further distress.

Cork ETB, which manages CCSS, claims it is aware of the issues and is “engaging intensively” with parents. However, parents are demanding more immediate action, citing that staff shortages and a lack of therapeutic services are creating an environment rife with anxiety and behavioral issues among students. Reports indicate that at least six staff members left the school this year alone.

Officials from the Department of Education have acknowledged the concerns and indicated plans for new support measures, including the establishment of a dedicated education therapy service starting in the 2025/26 school year. However, parents express frustration over the slow pace of change, emphasizing that their children are missing critical educational opportunities now.

The struggle for appropriate education for children with special needs in Cork has drawn attention from local representatives, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin. As the community rallies for reform, parents are left grappling with the harsh reality that their children are being deprived of essential educational resources.

Parents are urging for immediate solutions to stabilize staffing and improve access to therapeutic services. “We need consistency and routine,” one parent lamented. “They are getting no education, and I can’t see how their future is going to develop or improve.”

As this situation unfolds, it is clear that the need for urgent reforms in special education is paramount. Parents are calling on the Cork ETB and the Department of Education to act swiftly to ensure that their children have the educational environment they deserve.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.