Media statement re continuing support for children and young people with autism and communication difficulties 18-03-16
The Education Department and Communication and Autism Support Service are extremely disappointed that the plan to create a new support base as part of the redevelopment of La Mare de Carteret Schools is now on hold.
However, the Department and CAS Service would like to reassure parents and the wider community that it is business as usual with regards to the ongoing support and education provision for children and young people with autism and communication difficulties.
The support bases at Amherst Primary and St Sampson's High Schools will continue to operate as now and previously agreed plans for an additional CAS base for new Year 7 pupils at the existing La Mare de Carteret High School will also go ahead.
As highlighted in the Education Department's Policy Letter, the numbers of children and young people with autism and communication difficulties continue to increase and the Department is doing everything it can to ensure the appropriate support and facilities are provided.
The Department will continue to work with the Communication and Autism Support Service to see how we can improve facilities for children and young people attending the current primary and secondary bases until such time as a decision is taken about whether or not to proceed with La Mare de Carteret Schools' redevelopment.
