A WEST Belfast mum is pleading with the Education Authority to provide transport for her daughter who has been unable to attend school this term.
Philomena Nixon's daughter Bernadette (9) is a pupil at St Kieran’s Primary School in Poleglass.
Bernadette moved to the school last year to help with her special educational needs and was provided transport during the last school year to and from her home off the Whiterock Road.
However, during the summer no transport for the new school year was confirmed and Bernadette has not been at school as we approach October.
Speaking to the Andersonstown News, Philomena explained: "Bernadette moved to St Kieran’s last year and got transport to and from school without any issues.
"During the summer we were awaiting confirmation that her transport was sorted ahead of the new school term in September.
"I have been back and forward with the school and the Education Authority ever since.
"We were offered transport but she would have had to leave at 7am and sit in a taxi that was going to the likes of Crumlin and Glenavy. My daughter wouldn't be able to do that.
"I was originally told it would take a week and at the end of September my child is still in the house unable to go to school.
Philomena explained the impact that not being able to go to school is having on her daughter.
"Bernadette has learning disabilities and really needs to be going to school for that support. I have noticed how much she has changed and how much it has affected her not being able to go to school. It is really affecting her behaviour and moods. She is very unsettled.
"She really loves school and loves her teachers.
"She is lost without it. My other child goes to St Kevin’s and Bernadette is just asking why she can’t go to school too.
"Her brand new uniform and schoolbag is just sitting there in the corner.
"I am worried about the effect of her not going to school is having on her. It is awful. It is not fair."
A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said: "We understand that changes to transport arrangements can be unsettling for children with special educational needs, particularly where they rely on routine and familiarity.
"However, the Education Authority has a responsibility to ensure value for money across all services, including home-to-school transport, which means we must periodically refresh contracts.
"Where contracts are refreshed, we always aim to minimise any disruption these changes may cause for families. Even where a contract with an operator is extended, the driver is not contracted directly to the EA and we cannot guarantee the same vehicle, staff or timings will be in place on the same route each year."
We understand new transport arrangements will be in place from Monday, October 5.
