South Down MLA Colin McGrath has responded to the failure of the Education Authority to provide transport for a day for disabled pupils at Knockevin Special School when a driver took sick.
Mr McGrath said: “Parents were left high and dry last week when the bus driver who works for the local Education Authority took ill and no replacement could be found.xa0 As a result, these children were unable to get to school.
“I was alerted to this issue on Thursday. Local children in the greater Newcastle area who normally attend Knockevin Special School had no way of getting to school as the bus driver was sick.xa0 Parents contacted the school and Education Authority but to no avail.
“Not only were these children missing out on their education but they were also missing out on key services such as physio etc., as many of these outside agencies attend the school to tend to the children’s needs at the one time.
“This situation was totally and utterly unacceptable.xa0 These children are entitled to their education.
“Many parents were forced to take time off work to either care for their children at home or to transport them to school in Downpatrick.xa0 However, for some parents transporting their children was impossible due to the varying needs that that they have.
“I am pleased to say that following my intervention, the Education Authority have sourced a driver and the children will be collected as usual tomorrow morning”.
