Special needs school pupils at home due to mouldy classrooms

Four mobile classrooms at a County Londonderry special school have again been closed due to problems including leaks, fungal growth and mould.

As a result, more than 30 pupils at Sandelford Special School in Coleraine face having to stay at home and learn remotely.

The pupils have already spent about a week out of school since September over the health and safety issues.

The Education Authority (EA) admitted it had been "a very unsettling time for families and the school, which we deeply regret".

The EA had previously told parents on 13 November that the classrooms were safe.

However, parents subsequently received a letter from the school on 20 November.

"As the result of a report received from the independent air quality assurance company, the Education Authority has instructed immediate closure of the four mobile classrooms," the letter said.

"This communication is contrary to previous communication received during which the school was informed the classrooms were safe for use.

"I understand this will cause concern and further upset this evening."

The school said that it would provide materials so pupils could learn at home.

Hunter stressed the need for "routine, stability and the support of specialist staff" for children with special educational needs (SEN).

"Home-based learning is no substitute for the classroom and fails to provide these children with the education they deserve," she added.

"I know how much Sandleford means to its pupils and their families.

"The staff do amazing work, but they have been failed by the EA yet again."