A proposal that could remove nurses from some special schools "would not be sustainable", a principal has said. Roz McFeeters, of Hill Croft special school in Newtownabbey, County Antrim made the comments to Stormont's Education Committee. Assembly members heard that the Public Health Agency (PHA) was carrying out a review of nursing provision in special schools. She said her school, which is in the Northern Trust, had been "crying out for a nurse" for years. Ms McFeeters and fellow principal Colin Ward, of Parkview School in Lisburn, represented the Special Schools Strategic Leadership Group and were questioned about the review by assembly members. As nursing staff in special schools are the responsibility of Northern Ireland's five health trusts, special schools in some trust areas currently have school nurses while others do not. BBC News NI understands the PHA review is examining that disparity, but there are concerns it could lead to the withdrawal of nurses from some schools. Hill Croft has about 250 pupils, and Ms McFeeters said pupils in 24 of the school's 33 classes needed "medical interventions on a daily basis". "It is not sustainable within the resource that we have to meet those needs in the longer term," she said. Parkview School in Lisburn has 223 pupils from 3-19 with severe learning difficulties. Parkview has a school nurse. Mr Ward said "because of the complex needs of pupils it would not be sustainable" to lose the school nurse. "We have multiple children in a class with medical needs and our staff teams are trying to manage and be aware of everyone's issues and needs," he said. Sinn Féin assembly member Cathy Mason said a special school in her area had its nurse removed. Committee chairman Nick Mathison of Alliance expressed concerns about the "level of risk" if a special school lost its nurse. Deputy chairman Pat Sheehan of Sinn Féin said there were other gaps in provision for "speech and language therapists, behaviour therapists". Mr Ward responded that there were not enough health professionals to fully meet the needs of children in special schools. "Therapy provision is spread very thinly," he said. The two principals also said the majority of special schools were "significantly overcrowded". Mr Ward welcomed the commitment of Education Minister Paul Givan to reforming special educational needs. He said special schools had been through "a very dark and difficult time". "We have seen a significant increase in numbers," he said. "Numbers are just going through the roof and that has led to a real sense of overcrowding. "We're finding staffrooms and cupboards and corridors to teach children in. "The expansion in numbers of pupils has led to a real crisis in staffing as well. "That's an ongoing struggle for us." Mr Ward said principals spent a large part of their time "managing crises". "The vast majority of our schools are significantly overcrowded," Ms McFeeters added. She said that special schools employed "amazing people" but did have trouble recruiting and retaining staff. "It is a daily struggle for us in our schools to meet the complex medical needs of the pupils in our schools," she said. A statement from the Department of Health said the health minister was committed to working with the education minister to "ensure that children with additional healthcare needs can safely be supported to attend school and be enabled to achieve their full potential". It said the chief nursing officer had commissioned the PHA to work in partnership with the Education Authority and other organisations to undertake a comprehensive needs assessment. "Our priority remains to ensure that all children have safe access to education, supported by the appropriate member of the multidisciplinary team – including nursing – to meet their healthcare needs," the statement added. "The complexity of the review requires in depth data gathering and stakeholder engagement, which is currently progressing." It said it anticipated a final report would be delivered to the minister for consideration by the end of May.
Principals' fears over 'unsustainable' removal of some special schools nurses
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Concerns Raised Over Potential Nurse Reductions in Northern Ireland Special Schools"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The ongoing review of nursing provisions in special schools, conducted by the Public Health Agency (PHA), has raised significant concerns among school principals regarding the potential removal of nursing staff from these institutions. Roz McFeeters, principal of Hill Croft special school in Newtownabbey, highlighted the unsustainable nature of such a proposal, noting that her school has been in dire need of a nurse for several years. With 250 pupils enrolled, 24 of whom require daily medical interventions, McFeeters emphasized that the existing resources are insufficient to meet their needs effectively. Colin Ward, principal of Parkview School in Lisburn, echoed these sentiments, stressing that losing their school nurse would exacerbate the challenges faced by staff managing complex medical needs among students with severe learning difficulties. The disparity in nursing provision across Northern Ireland's health trusts has prompted the PHA's review, which is scrutinizing the potential consequences of withdrawing nursing support from certain schools.
In addition to nursing shortages, both principals pointed out broader issues regarding staffing and overcrowding in special schools. They reported that many special schools are significantly overcrowded, with some resorting to using staff rooms and corridors as makeshift classrooms. The increase in student numbers has led to a crisis in staffing, as principals frequently find themselves managing crises rather than focusing on educational leadership. The Department of Health has acknowledged these challenges and is working alongside the education minister to ensure that children with additional healthcare needs receive the necessary support to thrive in educational settings. This includes a comprehensive needs assessment being undertaken by the PHA in collaboration with various stakeholders. The final report from this review is expected by the end of May, which will inform future decisions regarding health and educational provisions for special schools in Northern Ireland.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a significant concern regarding the potential removal of nurses from special schools in Northern Ireland, a move that educators fear could compromise the quality of care provided to students with complex medical needs. This situation reflects broader issues in the healthcare and education systems, particularly the allocation of resources and support for vulnerable populations.
Concerns About Nursing Provision
Roz McFeeters, principal of Hill Croft special school, emphasizes the critical need for nursing staff, stating that many students require daily medical interventions. The disparity in nursing provision across different trust areas suggests systemic inequalities that can adversely affect the quality of education and care in special schools. The ongoing review by the Public Health Agency (PHA) raises alarms about the sustainability of current support systems, with principals expressing that losing nursing staff could pose unacceptable risks to students.
Political and Community Implications
The comments from assembly members indicate that this issue is not only about healthcare but also about political accountability and resource allocation. The involvement of Sinn Féin representatives and the concerns raised by the committee chair highlight the political dimensions surrounding educational and health services in Northern Ireland. This situation may mobilize parents and advocacy groups, potentially leading to public protests or demands for policy changes if nursing services are cut.
Public Sentiment and Awareness
By shedding light on the challenges faced by special schools, the article aims to galvanize public support for maintaining nursing staff in these institutions. The narrative suggests a community rallying around the needs of children with disabilities, which may resonate deeply with parents and advocates who prioritize children’s health and education.
Potential Manipulation and Influence
While the article appears to present legitimate concerns, it could also be interpreted as a strategic move to influence policymakers by highlighting the risks associated with inadequate nursing care. The language used is emotive, focusing on the vulnerability of students and the responsibilities of educators, which may evoke a strong response from the public. This tactic could be seen as an attempt to sway public opinion and political action in favor of retaining nursing staff.
Reliability and Trustworthiness
The article primarily relies on statements from credible sources—school principals and assembly members—demonstrating a commitment to presenting factual concerns. However, the emphasis on potential risks and emotional appeals might skew the narrative slightly, aiming to provoke a reaction rather than convey a balanced perspective. Overall, the news appears to be reliable but is crafted in a way that emphasizes urgency and concern.
Impact on Broader Issues
The implications of this article extend beyond education, potentially influencing discussions on healthcare funding, resource distribution, and the prioritization of services for vulnerable populations. If the concerns raised lead to public outcry or policy shifts, there could be significant repercussions for health and education systems in Northern Ireland.
This news piece may resonate more with communities advocating for disability rights and educational equity, seeking to support the needs of students with complex medical conditions. It addresses parents, educators, and policymakers, aiming to create a sense of urgency around the issue.