The Department of Education's approach to children with Down Syndrome has come in for criticism.

According to the Children's Ombudsman, the department's decision not to grant pupils with the condition an automatic entitlement to additional teaching resources has had a significant impact on their capacity to engage in mainstream primary schooling, the Irish Independent reports.

Ombudsman Emily Logan claimed a lack of consideration given to the needs of these children might have resulted in them missing out on certain opportunities. 

The news comes as the National Council for Special Education is gearing up to present the findings of its comprehensive strategic review of special education to Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn.

According to RTE News, the review will recommend allocation be based on need rather than category of disability, while concerns are also to be raised about the amount of time it is taking for some parents to receive a diagnosis - delays that can result in some young people not getting the early access to support they require. 

Written by Donal Walsh

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