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Lack Of Autism Class Places Will Impact Children's Future - Westmeath Parent

Tuesday, 10 December 2024 12:12

Some parents of children in autism classes have already received refusal letters.

The lack of places in autism classes could have a huge impact on children's future development, according to a Westmeath parent.

A Westmeath primary school principal is highlighting the struggle parents are currently facing to get their children a place in an autism class at secondary level next year. 

Refusal letters are already being sent out to parents and more are expected after Christmas. 

Catriona Kelly has a son in an autism class in St Joseph's National School Rathwire Killucan, she says she her son would not do well in a mainstream school setting:

The Education Department says its strategy when it comes to autism classes, is "bearing fruit".

The State is coming in for sustained criticism from teachers and parents in Westmeath, with a number of families being already told there will be no space for them in an autism class when they graduate to secondary school next year.

In a statement to Midlands 103, a department spokesperson says over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned nationwide for this school year.

They added that 10 of these new special class are in Westmeath. 

Bringing the total number of special classes in Westmeath for the 2024/25 school year to 69, 46 at primary school level and 23 at post-primary school level.

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