School place for Teo
Deputy Boyd Barrett raised the case of Teo, a 13-year-old with severe autism who still lacked a suitable school place. The Minister of State said that would be unacceptable, noted special class capacity, and offered to work with the NCSE on an appropriate placement.
Teo is 13 years of age. He is on the severe end of the autism spectrum and is in residential care. If he does not get a school place this September, it will be his third year out of school, which is shameful. He is being told there are no school places with the supports and resources that are necessary for him available and that the only option for him is home tuition. His parents want him in school and Teo himself wants to be in school, but he is being told there is no place for him. This is completely unacceptable. If he does not get a school place, it will impact this young man for a very long time. I have written to the Minister of State about this but have still not heard back. Something has to be done. There are many other Teos out there. This is not acceptable. His parents are distraught and I ask for intervention.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for his question. I am not sure when he wrote to me, but I will check with my office. It would be unacceptable if Teo did not have an appropriate placement in September. I am not sure if it is a special school or special class.
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Probably a special school.
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We have 2,537 special classes and we will be opening 380 special classes this September. I assume that Teo is in touch and engaging with the local special educational needs organiser, SENO.
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If the Deputy would like to bring the case to my attention, I will speak with the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, directly about obtaining an appropriate placement for Teo.