17 November 2025
SDLP MLA Cara Hunter has criticised the Education Authority (EA) for its handling of the situation at Sandelford School in Coleraine, where pupils with complex needs have endured serious disruption due to the deteriorating condition of their classrooms.
Several mobile units at the school were recently deemed unsuitable for use, forcing children out of their usual learning environment and leaving families unsure about when and how the issues would be resolved. While some emergency checks have since been carried out, concerns remain about the pace of repairs and the clarity of communication from the EA.
Hunter said the confusion has caused real distress for children who depend on routine, consistency and familiar surroundings, while also placing significant strain on parents already juggling work and caregiving responsibilities.
Cara Hunter MLA said:
"This has been an incredibly disruptive and upsetting time for children and families at Sandelford. Parents have been moved from one update to the next with little confidence that the situation is under control. That's stressful for any household, but especially for families whose children rely so heavily on routine.
"Many of these pupils need predictability, yet they've been left unsure of where they'll be learning each week. This situation should have been handled with far greater urgency and clearer communication, and it's deeply concerning that classrooms were allowed to deteriorate to this point in the first place.
"Staff have gone above and beyond for their pupils, but they cannot be expected to manage this alone. They need proper support, greater investment and a clear commitment from the EA that this will not happen again.
"The SDLP has consistently championed proper investment in special education across the North, and I will continue pushing locally for the repairs and long-term improvements Sandelford urgently needs. These children deserve better than this."