Date: 03/08/2016
Education Minister, Peter Weir, visited the Centre today and met with parents and children availing of our services.
We were delighted to welcome the Education Minister, Peter Weir, in the centre today.
Speaking during the visit the Minister said:
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to visit the centre today and view at first-hand the excellent work that is being done to support the educational needs of children with autism. The centre provides intensive educational assessment and learning support to children and young people with complex autism who have been referred by the Education Authority (EA) as well as an extensive programme of training and research for both parents and professionals. Such support requires close working partnerships between Middletown, the EA and schools and I congratulate the centre on building those relationships.”
During the visit the Minister met with children, parents and staff and had the opportunity to view the centre’s plans for 2016/17. He said:
“It is clear the positive impact the services provided by the centre are having on pupils, parents and teachers. I would also like to acknowledge the commitment of the staff who work hard to enhance the quality of learning and the quality of living for young people with autism.”
Gary Cooper, Chief Executive Officer at Middletown Centre for Autism said:
“I welcome the Minister’s visit coming so soon after his appointment. I also welcome the ongoing support shown by the Minister and his Department for the continuing development of our specialist autism services at the centre which are seeking to provide research based support to children, their parents and education professionals.
“Today’s visit is an indication of the Department’s commitment to meeting the needs of children and young people with autism. The centre’s specialist services are now an integral part of Department of Education’s services, reflecting current research and a transdisciplinary approach to meeting the needs of children and young people with autism across school and home settings.”
Writer's credit to education-ni.gov.uk website. Follow the link to view the article.
Visit our facebook page to view more photos from todays visit.