Thread- Let's be clear about disappointing u-turn that has a direct impact on children with SEN and their families. @Education_Ire had several months to plan for contingencies. @InclusionIre @AsIAmIreland @DownSyndromeIRL have published research on the damage of school closures

The fault does not lie with Principals teachers, SNAs or their Unions. You cannot plan for partial school opening to cater for the most disadvantaged, similar to many other European countries without involvement of all stakeholders. @NormaFoleyTD1 did not do this.

The fault lies with @Education_Ire officials who have consistently kept their head in the sand about all manner of Covid related decisions and planning the we all needed to see. Planning needs to start now. Don't bring stakeholders around table to tell them what you are doing

Stakeholders can be part of a safe solution. @NormaFoleyTD1 @josephamadigan @Education_Ire need to stop dictating leading to U-turn and huge upset to everyone. They need to start collaborating and together we can find a solution agreeable to all, that meets the needs of children.

It would not be suitable or advisable for all children with SEN to attend school if opened in a limited capacity. Those with underlying medical conditions that put them at risk, should stay at home. Parents are already doing that. The numbers in need of the structure of school,

would this be reduced further. We cannot abandon children with disabilities and their families every time there is a lockdown. This is the first level 5 lockdown where adult day services were deemed to be essential with risk mitigation in place. We can do the same for children.

@threadreaderapp unroll please and thank you.