The resolution stems from a complaint filed by families of students enrolled at the San Martín de Porres Special Education School in Zaragoza. They conveyed their concern to the Aragon Ombudsman about the staffing resources available at publicly funded Special Education schools and, in particular, about the situation at this school. The families highlighted the need to strengthen certain professional profiles to properly support students with specific support needs.
The Department of Education, for its part, reported that the school has an adequate allocation of staff resources in accordance with current regulations. In its resolution, the Aragon Ombudsman acknowledges the efforts made by the education authorities to provide professionals at Special Education schools, but reminds them that the absence or insufficiency of certain profiles may affect the support provided to students.
In this regard, the resolution cites case law recognizing the right of students with special educational needs to receive an appropriate response to their circumstances. It also recalls that education authorities must provide the resources and professionals necessary to ensure that all students can achieve their fullest personal, intellectual, social and emotional development.
THE SPECIFIC CASE OF SAN MARTÍN DE PORRES
Alongside this general issue, the Aragon Ombudsman specifically analyzed the need for healthcare staff at San Martín de Porres following another complaint filed by a family at the school. The complaint raised the need for a nursing professional to be present during school hours to properly address the healthcare needs of their daughter and other students.
The institution considers that, although a care assistant may also be necessary, difficulties in filling a nursing position do not eliminate the need to assess whether this professional profile is required to ensure appropriate support for students. Accordingly, the Aragon Ombudsman has urged the Department of Education to consider providing the San Martín de Porres Special Education School with sufficient and suitable nursing staff.
