Opinion

There is a special needs crisis in our schools and children are suffering: Chris Donnelly

Teachers are drowning in bureaucracy which is harming pupils’ education

Chris Donnelly

Chris Donnelly

Chris is a political commentator with a keen eye for sport. He is principal of a Belfast primary school.

EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15 File photo dated 27/11/19 of school children in a classroom. A lost generation of children could leave school without receiving the help they need if action is not taken to address England’s “inequitable” special educational needs system, MPs have said. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said too many families are struggling to access the help their children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) “desperately need”. Issue date: Wednesday January 15, 2025.
Bureaucratic demands and pressures on special needs resources are creating a crisis in Northern Ireland's schools (Danny Lawson/PA)
By Chris Donnelly