Waiting list woes for special needs education

THE mother of a 12-year-old boy placed on a waiting list for a Special Needs School (LSEN) has expressed frustration, saying that while being at a mainstream school in Delft, he continues to battle academically and socially.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) revealed it had a waiting list and applications are reviewed monthly.

Millicent Merton of the WCED explained the process of placement: “The learner enrolments in Special Needs schools are still to be determined. To expand access and reduce barriers to placement, the WCED is systematically transforming public ordinary schools into inclusive schools, enabling learners to receive support closer to where they live.”

She said in 2025, the WCED accommodated approximately 17 300 learners with special educational needs in 1 326 public ordinary schools across the province through various mainstream and inclusive support structures.