Ombudsman for Children highlights need for education sector to be agile and adapt to the needs of individual children

“The education sector must be sufficiently agile to adapt to the individual needs of each child”, says Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, speaking following the launch of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO),  Education In Focus report.

“Ireland has a well-deserved reputation for the high quality education system it offers our young people. The majority of children find it works well for them and that they can navigate the system easily. However, providing an education structure that works for the minority who have differing needs, has been a key difficulty identified through the thousands of complaints we have received over the years.

“This Education In Focus outlines some of the work we have done in the area of education, it details a number of education complaints we received and offers the opportunity to take a long-term view of some of the systemic issues identified and pursued in the area of education.

“We can see clearly the changes that have taken place in the education sector, some problems that exist and how good practice can make a real difference for children and their families.

“Over the years we have identified particular problems in accessing adequate education supports for children with disabilities and children in care. We have also seen the impact that the actions of schools can have, in determining whether or not students receive the supports they need.

“In this report, Education In Focus, we look at some specific cases, including where one child with severe disabilities was left without education provision for almost a year, and another where a child was left without adequate education support, because her complex needs did not fit into a predetermined box.

“For children in care, particularly those who have recently entered care or who have moved into a new placement, school is extremely significant in their social integration and the stabilisation of care placements. However, a number of complaints we have received highlight the need for interim education provision while school placements are being sought.

“Since 2010, this Office has handled 3,148 complaints about schools. Some cases outlined in our Education In Focus report show examples of very good practice and positive changes made by the Department of Education and Skills in light of recommendations from this Office. Others identify areas for improvement, mostly relating to communication and transparency.

“In 2015, 45% of the 1,649 complaints we received at the OCO related to education. This is very much in keeping with previous years. In addition to our work on complaints we also welcome approximately 1,000 children and young people into our office each year to learn about their rights, and we interact with thousands of schools and teachers across the country.

“We are also mandated to oversee the legislation and policies relating to children and we have made a number of submissions to Government, including the Education (Admissions) to School Bill 2016, the Action Plan on Education (2016) and others.

“It is important that children receive education and supports that meet their needs at different times of their lives. This requires an education system to be flexible in taking a child centred, individual approach where necessary.

“As children’s rights become more and more embedded in the way Government works, it is vital that the education system continues to adapt and grow to allow for the greater variety of issues arising for children. This Office will continue to maintain an oversight role while also working closely with the Department of Education and Skills to ensure the best interest of each child is to the fore.”

ENDS

Contact:
Aoife Carragher
Ombudsman for Children’s Office
087 148 4173 / 01 865 6800

Notes to Editor

• Read the report in full here.
• The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is an independent statutory body with an overall mandate to promote the rights and welfare of children under the age of 18 living in Ireland.
• Among the Ombudsman for Children’s core statutory functions is the independent and impartial investigation of complaints made by, or on behalf of, children in relation to public bodies, as well as organisations providing services on behalf of the State.

• 23 Samhna 2016
• Cineál: Preaseisiúint
• Ábhar: Oideachas