ESTABLISHMENT OF A BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR THE DAVID ROSE SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

ESTABLISHMENT OF A BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR THE DAVID ROSE SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

While investigations continue into the mistreatment of a student of the David Rose School for Special Education by two teachers of the institution, the Ministry of Education has commenced immediate measures aimed at strengthening oversight and accountability at the school.

On Friday afternoon, the Hon. Sonia Parag, Minister of Education, accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, met with Ms Volika Jaikishun, Head of the School Board Secretariat, Dr Keon Chung, Assistant Chief Education Officer responsible for Special Education Needs and Development (SEND) and Mrs Tiffanny Harvey, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration) to advance the establishment of a Board of Governors for the institution which will be appointed and installed in the new week.

Minister Parag indicated that the Board will comprise parents as well as professionals experienced in the area of special education needs, with the aim of strengthening supervision, accountability, parental engagement and student welfare at the institution. These measures form part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to ensuring that such a grave abuse of authority and trust is never repeated within the education system.

The Ministry of Education wishes to assure parents and the wider public that the investigation remains active and is being treated with the utmost seriousness. The Ministry therefore urges the public to remain patient and mindful of the principles of fairness and due process as the investigation is allowed to run its full course so that its findings and outcomes may be comprehensive, final and just.

The welfare, dignity and protection of every child remain paramount to the Ministry of Education.