By Julie Waters
A BANGOR family have spoken of their ‘relief ’ after four year-old twins with special educational needs were offered places together at a specialist school, ending weeks of uncertainty about their education.
Archie and Alfie McDonagh had faced the prospect of attending different schools after a shortage of specialist places in the area raised concerns they may not receive places in the same school.
Their mother, Nicky Moore appealed to North Down MP Alex Easton for help after the Education Authority (EA) told her only one specialist place was available for her twin boys.
The EA had also asked Ms Moore to consider sending the twins to school in Belfast but the Bangor mum explained this was unworkable given the boys’ communication, emotional and behavioural issues.
In response, Mr Easton called on Education Minister Paul Givan to ‘urgently’ address the ‘growing crisis’ in special educational needs provision across the borough.
The twins’ aunt, Joanne Moore, also wrote to Minister Givan asking for a meeting to address their concerns about suitable special educational needs (SEN) placements for the boys but this was declined.
However, just two weeks after the family spoke to the Spectator about their concerns, they received notification that both boys were to be offered places in a local specialist school together.
Ms Moore said the family were just so worried the situation was going to drag on.
“We were worried they would not get into an SEN unit and we were worried that they would be separated,” she said.
“This would have been so detrimental to them as they are so used to being together all the time. All of those things have now been alleviated.”
She highlighted their efforts to try and secure the support the boys desperately needed.
“We felt that we were constantly trying to get in touch with the Education Authority and link officers and we were told they were still working on it.”
Ms Moore spoke of the family’s relief after the boys were offered school places together.
“The boys are going to go into a special education unit which will cater for their social and communication needs,” she said. “The Education Authority has also said if they need further assistance that will be provided. It is just brilliant news.
“The school is less than three miles away which is perfect. It has just taken a massive weight off my sister’s shoulders, she is just so relieved.”
Ms Moore said she hoped that by sharing their family’s experience this would help bring about change in how the Education Authority allocates SEN places.
“Our hope is that other children will get their placements. I hope that by drawing attention to the anguish and anxiety it causes to parents of special educational needs children, maybe this will encourage the Education Authority to work through placements expeditiously to put parents’ minds at ease.”
Said Ms Moore: “We just want them (the twins) to have access to the same curriculum and to have the best opportunity to learn. I think it is a basic right that all children should have. I don’t think it is asking above and beyond.”
