PLANS for specialist units for children at risk of falling behind in Irish-medium education have been shelved due to a lack of funding.
Two Irish language primary schools in Belfast were due to take part in a `nurture unit' pilot scheme.
Scoil an Droichid in south Belfast and Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin in the north of the city were to start operating the scheme in September.
The concept of nurture units has been developed across the UK to address behavioural needs within schools, offering a safe and welcoming environment to promote learning and positive behaviours.
They are recognised as playing a key role in tackling under-achievement early in a child's life by providing targeted support.
Hundreds of children - from P1 to P3 - already benefit from extra help in special facilities that are typically equipped with kitchens, sofas, and quiet rooms.
Scoil an Droichid principal Fionnguala McCotter said the two Irish-medium schools were told in April they met the criteria for nurture provision.
"We were told that the specialised training was the following week and that we needed to put staff in place ASAP," she said.
"Both school sent staff on training and also meet with and liaised with Education Authority nurture coordinator since then.
"We both received a message from DE (Department of Education) that the June round of budget moderation decided that the funding was being withdrawn. Both schools intend raising the issue with the education committee and will ask for a meeting with the minister."
Ms McCotter said up to six children had been identified and assessments carried out. The unit, she said, would help offset problems in their future life.
The Department of Education is funding nurture groups in 30 primary schools at a cost of £2.26 million.
"In April 2016, the former education minister decided to bring forward a one-year nurture group pilot for schools in the Irish-medium sector," a department spokeswoman said.
"Funding could not be secured at that time and although initial engagement took place to identify two potential participants, it was made clear that the commencement of the pilot remained contingent upon securing funding."
