Delight at summer scheme U-turn

An 11th hour U-turn by the Southern Education and Library Board following discussions with Education Minister Caitrona Ruane has given the scheme a repreive.

It came less than 24 hours after funding had been approved to run transport to the scheme for one week. Now the full programme - which runs from July 26 to August 6 - will be able to go ahead, giving parents and children access to a valuable service, according to Donard Principal Edel Lavery.

“We are so delighted for the parents and for the pupils,” she said. “It’s great news and now we can all relax a little and look forward to the summer scheme taking place.

“We are now busy preparing for it and our summer scheme co-ordinator, Mrs Betty McGreevy, has been working very hard to finalise the preparations.

In a joint statement with the Western Education and Library Board, which had also faced similar cuts, the SELB explained it would now be getting the same provisions as the North Eastern and South Eastern boards which had also faced cuts.

But they stressed that finding the savings to pay for the services would be tough.

“At their respective monthly meetings held on 30 June 2010, board members of the WELB and SELB gave consideration to concerns that had been expressed regarding the recent adjustments to their Special School Summer Scheme,” said a spokesperson.

“Members acknowledged the difficulties the withdrawal of transport presented to those involved and both boards (WELB and SELB) consequently agreed to provide transport to and from the Scheme for those parents who wish to avail of it during this year.

“Following further discussions this morning involving the Education Minister and senior Department of Education officials, it has been decided that the Special School Summer Scheme will be run for two weeks this year in both the SELB and WELB areas, with transport provided.

“Both boards continue to emphasise the responsibility placed upon them to live within their budgets. This, combined with the lateness of their allocations has created unprecedented pressures. The SELB and WELB hope that the public understand the challenges of finding the very significant savings which will have to be implemented across services.”

The news was welcomed by Upper Bann Ulster Unionist Assembly Member George Savage MLA.

"This is fantastic news for both the children and their parents. It is tribute to the dedication of the parents who have not let this issue go and forced the board into realising that its original decision was wrong,” he said.

"I am delighted that the decision has been overturned and I wish the children and the parents all the very best for a happy and enjoyable summer."