According to the trade union and professional organization that represents more than 45,000 workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the absence of staff is “awful”, while the demand for student places in these centers is increasing.

Previously, the Education Authority (EA) sent a letter to head teachers and governors requesting the opening of units in mainstream primaries for pupils with severe learning difficulties.

However, the NAHT claimed that this request came at the “last minute”, although these issues have been known about for a long time, and the system again “did not make timely and adequate arrangements to meet the requirements”.

Although the EA announced plans to expand special school places in Belfast, including the opening of a new school, the move will cost more than £80 million, or 92 million euros, and will not relieve the pressure.

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