A LACK of speech and language therapists means some children "will not receive" the support they need, according to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
The body last night called on the departments of education and the health to ensure there is greater support for pupils with speech, language and communication associated with their special education needs.
The RCSLT said an increase in clinical demand in special schools, due to the uplift in enrolment, had not been met with an increase in Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs).
It added that at this stage, no additional funding had been made available for speech and language therapy to meet the needs of increasing numbers of pupils for September.
In addition, the RCSLT also highlighted that speech and language therapy provision had not kept pace with demand for places in SEN units attached to mainstream schools.
Ruth Sedgewick, Head of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists NI, said children attending special schools will be "at a disadvantage if the support they require at school is stretched beyond capacity, or not there at all.
"As special school places have increased, more investment and resourcing must be provided to ensure speech and language therapy is prioritised and keeps pace with demand".
The Department of Education was contacted.
