Special needs schemes 'reprieved'

Measures to save money in special needs education were passed

A range of measures which will save money in special needs education have been voted through by the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

However, it appears three schemes under threat have been reprieved.

The board passed cost-cutting efforts in both mainstream and special schools, although some proposals were changed to give pupils more protection.

The meeting ended when DUP members left before cuts affecting classroom assistants could be discussed.

The board said it was almost certain the Department of Education would fund the I-Can speech and language nursery in Ballynahinch.

A summer scheme for severely disabled children will also go ahead.

And a partial hearing unit in Tyconnaught near Downpatrick will not close even though it will only have two pupils in September.

Among cost-cutting efforts that were agreed a special education unit in Castlewellan will be suspended rather than closed.

The DUP councillors' departure left the meeting with too few members to continue.