Speech and language replacement plans called into question

Pat Ramsey MLA with parents who campaigned against the closure of the Woodlands Speech and Language Therapy unit

Education officials have come in for criticism this week for what has been described as a ‘relaxed attitude’ to the future of speech and language services in the North West.

Earlier this year, a decision to close the Woodlands speech and language therapy services and have was made by Education Minister John O’Dowd.

‘Development proposals’ put forward by the Western Education and Library Board to close the Woodlands Unit included the relocation of two classes to Ebrington Primary School, a further two to St Anne’s Primary School and for the expansion of overall provision of speech and language provision by establishing two additional classes in Ballykelly.