Derry SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey has blasted Education Minister John O’Dowd at news that some parents of children who have been accepted into the Woodlands Speech and Language Unit, which is to be closed, will not be able to avail of a Key Stage 2 provision.
An angry Mr Ramsey said this was “another example of ineptitude and broken promises” from the Minister.
The Derry MLA said he was “sick, sore and tired” of uncovering broken promises from the Minister of Education around Woodlands and its closure which he approved.
He added: “First, we were told language classes which would attempt to replace the Unit would be fully resourced, however this is still not yet finalised and now I have parents of children who need the Unit coming to my office after being told their children may need to attend Key Stage 1 classes as no KS2 provision will be provided in the new classes. This is a ridiculous situation.
“This is effectively asking parents to hold the progress of their children back because of the hastily made decision to destroy Woodlands.”
Mr Ramsey added:“It is a further example of the destructive mentality at the core of the minister’s plans for our city.”
The Derry MLA concluded: “Clarity is needed on the issue. There will not be a child in my constituency asked to accept second rate education because of the minister’s ineptitude.”
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