special school

The local politician has also been representing parents with unrelated concerns about bullying at the only other special school in the area, and claimed an "overhaul" was needed in Solihull's overall provision.

However, despite work beginning on the site in 2013, Arvalee Special School is the only school to be built so far.

Roz McFeeters, principal of Hill Croft special school in Newtownabbey, County Antrim told the Stormont's Education Committee the proposal that could remove nurses from some special schools "would not be sustainable".

Committee chairman Nick Mathison of Alliance expressed concerns about the "level of risk" if a special school lost its nurse.

Baris, whose 10-year-old goes to a special school, said he supported teachers' right to strike but he was concerned about school closures because it was "vital" for his son to attend full time.