'School is everything' to teenager with complex needs affected by Unite strike

The Belfast mum of a boy with complex needs says a strike by some staff at his school will have a "profound effect" on her family.

Michael Larmour, who attends Glenveagh Special School, is facing two weeks at home because of the action by Unite.

His mum Martha says her 13-year-old needs routine.

"That's why school is so important, it's a desperate need, school is everything to Michael, Michael needs it to be him."

Martha says Michael finds it very difficult dealing with these types of changes.

"That's when his anxiety builds up and sometimes that can be vocal or it can be physical."

"It has a profound effect on our family, not only do I care for Michael but I care for my mum, she's quite elderly, so I need to divide my time between one disable person and another disabled person," she said.

The Education Authority says 18 of Northern Ireland's 40 special schools are facing disruption by the strike, which is taking place over the next two weeks.

Unite members, who include bus drivers and classroom support staff, are angry at a 1.75 percent pay rise.

The Education Authority says it has asked the union to put in place derogations to minimise the impact.

A spokesperson added: “Local Government organisations, including EA, do not have the power or authority to renegotiate the 2021/22 pay award.

"This pay award has been agreed and EA has now uplifted all staff on the NJC payscale to the new rate and is processing arrears of pay for staff. 

"We recognise the significant impact any reduction or change to learning patterns can have on children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs and we are doing everything we can to support schools and families during this difficult time."