Delight at summer schemes u-turn

THE Principal of Limavady's only special school has described his delight over the Western Education and Library Board's U turn on summer scheme cuts.

Brian McLaughlin, head of Rossmar Special School located on the Ballyquin Road, called the school's summer scheme "crucial" to parents and children. Mr McLaughlin said if implemented, the cuts would have been "ludicrous".

"I am absolutely delighted that the scheme will go ahead and also that transport provision will also remain intact. The news that we received last week was one of shock that such an important service could be cut at such short notice for such a small saving. It would've been ludicrous," said Mr McLaughlin.

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"If this went ahead it would not only be a severe blow to the children, school and parents but to the community. Our scheme usually lasts for two weeks and is a crucial form of respite for parents who can spend that time with their other children. The children also need these schemes. We have a range of activities planned for them including two outings which they enjoy very much."

Concerns were raised last month when many education and library boards said they would be pulling the schemes due to budgetary constraints. Other boards, including the Western Education and Library Board reinstated their summer scheme but on a severely reduced level. Parents in the area were up in arms over the decision and emergency discussions between the board and Department of Education saw the scheme fully reintroduced last week. A WELB spokesperson blamed a late allocation of funds which they said resulted in "unprecedented pressures"

"At their respective monthly meetings held on 30 June 2010, Board Members of the Western (WELB) and Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) gave consideration to concerns that had been expressed regarding the recent adjustments to their Special School Summer Scheme."

"Members acknowledged the difficulties the withdrawal of transport presented to those involved and both Boards (WELB and SELB) consequently agreed to provide transport to and from the Scheme for those parents who wish to avail of it during this year."

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"As a result of the decisions taken at the Board meeting, the Special School Summer Schemes in the SELB and WELB areas were harmonised with the provision in the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) and South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) areas."

The WELB added that after further discussions with the Minister and Department officials, the decision was made that the Special School Summer Scheme will run for two weeks this year in both the SELB and WELB areas, with transport provided.

It added: "Both Boards continue to emphasise the responsibility placed upon them to live within their budgets. This, combined with the lateness of their allocations has created unprecedented pressures. The SELB and WELB hope that the public understand the challenges of finding the very significant savings which will have to be implemented across services."

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