UPDATE: MINISTER SONIA PARAG VISIT TO DAVID ROSE SCHOOL

UPDATE FROM THE HON. SONIA PARAG, M.P. MINISTER OF EDUCATION FOLLOWING VISIT TO THE DAVID ROSE SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

This morning, I visited the David Rose School for Special Education where I met with the parents and family members of the immediately affected student (not photographed), the Head Teacher and other members of staff of the institution to discuss the steps being taken to address this deeply troubling matter.

During the meeting, I listened carefully to the concerns raised by parents and family members and assured them that the Ministry of Education is treating this issue with the utmost seriousness and urgency.

The Ministry, in collaboration with its Welfare Unit, Special Education Needs Department and administrative team, is presently conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. Decisive action will be taken against all persons found to have been involved directly and indirectly.

I also reaffirmed to parents and staff the Ministry’s zero tolerance policy against abuse within our school system. Every child, particularly children with special educational needs, must be treated with dignity, patience, care and protection while under the supervision of our educational institutions.

I expressed my profound apologies to the affected families for the distress and pain this matter has caused.

The teachers involved remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and will be subjected to the full disciplinary processes available to the Ministry. Where necessary and appropriate, the matter may also engage further legal consequences.

A further update will be provided.