Mobile Classrooms at Coleraine School Closed Due to Health Risks
Four mobile classrooms at Sandelford Special School in Coleraine, County Londonderry, have been shut down due to serious health concerns including leaks, fungal growth, and mould. As a result, over 30 students are now required to continue their education remotely, following a week where they also faced interruptions earlier in the term.
Concerns for Students and Parents
The Education Authority (EA) has acknowledged the distress caused to families and the school community, expressing regret over the situation. Parents were initially reassured by the EA on November 13 that the classrooms were safe; however, an abrupt change in communication occurred a week later.
On November 20, a letter from the school informed parents that following an assessment from an independent air quality company, the EA had ordered the immediate closure of the mobile classrooms. This contradicted previous assurances regarding the classrooms’ safety, heightening concerns among parents.
Voices from the Community
Wendy Gallagher, a parent of one of the pupils affected, expressed her relief at the closure, stating her prior anxiety about the safety of the mobile classrooms. “As a parent, we have been put in a horrible position,” she stated, highlighting the vulnerability of the children in this situation. Gallagher conveyed her disappointment in the EA for letting matters escalate to this point, stressing the necessity of stability and routine for special needs students.
Political Reactions
Assembly members have voiced severe criticism of the EA, demanding immediate action to rectify the situation. Jon Burrows from the Ulster Unionist Party and Cara Hunter from the SDLP have both emphasised the need for decisive leadership and timely communication with families. Burrows has called for an interim support plan to ensure the educational needs of all affected children are met during this period.
Hunter added that “home-based learning is no substitute for the classroom,” underscoring the importance of face-to-face education for children with special educational needs (SEN).
Education Authority’s Response
In a statement, the EA reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of students and staff are paramount, revealing ongoing maintenance plans for the mobile classrooms. Despite earlier assessments deeming the classrooms functional, a revised evaluation prompted the immediate closure. The EA has proposed relocating affected pupils to Balnamore Primary School in Ballymoney as a longer-term solution.
Background
This incident comes amid ongoing discussions about the state of school facilities across Northern Ireland. Recent reports have highlighted widespread disrepair in many educational institutions, estimating that approximately £800 million would be necessary for essential repairs.
