Dec 10, 2024, Midlands 103: Severe Shortage Of Special Needs School Places In Westmeath
A Westmeath primary school principal is to flag a severe shortage of secondary school places for autistic children in the county with the Irish Primary Principals Network.
Two autism classes are currently running in St Josephs National School Killucan - with three sixth class pupils currently on waiting lists.
One has already received a refusal letter despite being in a autism class since Junior Infants.
The current ratio in the school is 1 teacher and 2 SNA'S to six children - there's concern among parents that there's no prospects of that ratio being maintained.
It's understood there's a lack of places across the county overall with refusal letters set to increase after Christmas.
Sé McCarthy is the Principal of St Josephs National School Killucan - he says it's completely unfair on children with special needs.
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