SNA cuts slammed as mother makes plea on diabetic daughter’s behalf

A mother from Cockhill has made an emotional appeal after learning that her seven-year-old daughter is set to lose her Special Needs Assistant (SNA) at St Oran’s National School.

The mother of the pupil with Type 1 diabetes says the condition remains extremely unstable and has resulted in multiple hospitalisations.

“She could have five or more hypoglycaemia episodes in school daily,” she said. “Her blood sugars can drop below four and have gone as low as 1.8. These episodes need to be treated immediately.”

Severe or prolonged hypoglycaemia can result in loss of consciousness, seizures, and, in worst cases, serious brain injury. According to her mother, the Cockhill child requires constant monitoring throughout the school day, whether in the classroom or on the playground, to ensure her safety.

“If she does not have an SNA, she cannot go to school because she is not safe to attend unsupervised,” she said. “How can they justify taking away her SNA? Every child has the right to an education and to be safe there. She deserves that same right.

“How could they make a seven-year-old child responsible for life-or-death decisions that she has no understanding of? Did I give too much insulin? Did I not give enough? Both have dire consequences when it comes to her health and life. Let her be a normal seven-year-old child and go to school without a care in the world.”

The mother’s plea comes amid concerns over reductions to SNA support at the Cockhill school, which has reportedly been told its allocation will be cut from four SNAs to two and a half.

South Inishowen Councillor Jack Murray has described the proposed reduction as “clearly unacceptable” and confirmed he has formally written in support of an appeal against the decision.

“Over the last two days, I have been contacted by parents who are deeply worried about their children’s education as news has emerged of threats to SNAs in Cockhill,” he said.

He outlined the case of one child with complex lifelong medical needs requiring daily physiotherapy support, toileting assistance, and brace management, with a consultant advising that full-time one-to-one support is clinically necessary. Another child, he said, has Type 1 diabetes and is prone to emergency seizures, similarly requiring full-time care.

St Oran’s has nine classrooms spread across a large campus, with 28 pupils currently requiring SNA support.

“Obviously, one SNA cannot safely support children with complex needs in separate rooms at the same time,” he said.

Cllr Murray also pointed to the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004, which states that children are legally entitled to the support necessary to access education safely.

“It is not a luxury entitlement. It is their right. Nothing less should be considered,” he added. “I will continue to advocate strongly for these children, along with their families, the school staff, and the wider community. This is a fight we can and must win.”

Fellow Buncrana Councillor Joy Beard also described the situation at St Oran’s as “deeply worrying.”

“That may sound like a small change, but in reality it’s a huge loss for that school,” she said. “St Oran’s supports so many children who need that little extra help during the school day. Some of them need support with communication, behaviour, mobility, and just staying safe.”

She warned that any reduction would mean less support for vulnerable children and additional pressure on teachers.

“At the moment, these supports are in place, and they are working. If this cut goes ahead, there is going to be less support for those children. It also means teachers will have to cover needs currently being met by the hard-working and invaluable SNAs, taking them away from teaching and supporting the rest of the class.”

“It affects everyone, the children who need support, the rest of the pupils, the teachers, staff, and families who are already under severe pressure. St Oran’s are doing their best, and they are being asked to do more with less, and that’s not fair on anyone.”

The 100% Redress Party councillor confirmed she has written to the Minister and the Department of Education demanding an urgent review of the decision. Deputy Charles Ward is also expected to raise the issue at the national level.

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In September last year, parents and SNAs across the country expressed concern over proposed changes to guidance criteria for the allocation of SNA support. 

Later that month, trade union FORSA said the National Council for Special Education and the Department of Education confirmed there would be no change or narrowing of the criteria for SNA supports being provided to students.