Department of Education accused of ‘deeply damaging’ approach to special schools in Kildare

A Kildare county councillor has backed his party's Education Spokesperson's call to scrap special school redesignation plans.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, Social Democrats representative for the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, echoed concerns expressed by the party's Education Spokesperson, Deputy Jen Cummins.

He has called on the Department of Education to immediately halt its plans to review and redesignate special schools for the upcoming academic year.

Cllr Pender claimed: "This approach by the Department is not just short-sighted — it’s deeply damaging.

"For families in Kildare and across the country, special schools offering tailored support for children with mild general learning disabilities are lifelines."

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He continued: "Redesignating these schools without consultation or clarity creates anxiety, uncertainty, and completely undermines the stability that families and educators have worked so hard to build.

"Schools are being asked to make critical decisions about enrolments and staffing with no clear guidance from the Department.

"Parents are left in the dark, worried that their children may be forced out of environments where they have finally started to feel safe, supported, and understood."

He also criticised what he believes to be a "lack of stakeholder engagement".

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph

Cllr Pender elaborated: "This is not how inclusive education should work — sweeping changes without dialogue or impact assessment are reckless.

"The emotional distress already being caused to students, parents, and teachers is unacceptable. A catch-all policy cannot replace informed, person-centred planning."

"We cannot allow this rushed reclassification process to undo years of hard-earned progress in special and inclusive education."

He concluded: "The Department must immediately pause these plans and engage meaningfully with families, school leaders, and support professionals before any decisions are made."

The Department of Education has been contacted by the Leinster Leader for comment.