Derry MLA Pat Ramsey has revealed he has requested, under the Freedom of Information Act, every document used by the Education Minister to come to the “disgraceful” decision to close Woodlands Speech and Language Unit at Belmont House School.
Pat Ramsey MLA
The SDLP MLA is “appalled and angry” at the decision by John O’Dowd to press ahead with proposals to amalgamate Belmont House and Foyle View schools in Derry in a development worth more than £7.5 million.
The minister said the merger would be supported with an investment of more than £7.5 million.with the closure of Woodlands Speech and Language Unit at Belmont House School
Mr Ramsey said he could not comprehend how the Minister could come to “such a decision” in the face of overwhelming and tangible evidence that the in-house facility at Belmont was giving new hope to parents and children who had speech and language difficulties.
Mr O’Dowd said the decision to give the go-ahead to the amalgamation was taken in response to demand for speech and language services in Derry and across the North West and to ensure the provision was compliant with legislation on inclusion.
He added: “I have had to consider the best long-term solution for children with speech and language needs in the area. It is evident that the Woodlands facility has served children well but there is also a strong case for providing increased and more localised provision for the future.”
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