Language unit ‘unsuitable’ says WELB

Local parents of children with special language needs recently received notification of the proposed closure of the Woodlands Language Unit at Belmont in the 2012/13 academic year.

Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey asked the Minister to outline the rationale for the proposed closure and to advise what provision will be made to replace the Unit to ensure that the young people who currently avail of its services are not disadvantaged.

He replied: “The Woodlands Language Unit provides speech and language support for children who do not have statements of Special Educational Need (SEN), and who are enrolled in mainstream primary schools.

“Its location, within the grounds of Belmont House Special School, is considered unsuitable by the Western Education and Library Board as the current approach for children who need such support is to provide it at mainstream primary schools.

“The Western Board has therefore been in discussion over the past two years with the Board of Governors of Belmont House Special School about the relocation of the four speech and language classes to mainstream primary school locations in both the controlled and maintained sectors.”

The Minister explained that WELB intends publishing a statutory Development Proposal and allowing anyone with an interest to comment directly to the Department.

“However, at this stage, the issues involved are a matter for the Board to consider. I understand that this issue has been the subject of public comment and concern and I am assured that the WELB will be writing to parents to clarify the position,” he stated.