Education Minister has called for a flagship
Executive investment programme to transform educational
facilities for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
In a statement to the Assembly, the Minister revealed his
proposals for a £1.7 billion, Executive-led SEN Capital
Investment Programme. The strategic initiative would transform
the infrastructure supporting Northern Ireland's most vulnerable
learners.
said: “We are at a
critical juncture. Our special schools are full, our facilities
are outdated and the demand for specialist provision is growing
year on year. Without decisive action, we risk failing the
children who need our support most.”
The proposed SEN Capital Investment Programme would see £1.7
billion ring-fenced over the next decade, separate from the main
education capital budget. This funding would support:
- New builds and campuses for special schools.
- Expansion of specialist provision in mainstream schools.
- Over 6,000 additional special school places and 5,000
specialist class places.
The Minister stressed: “The current education
capital budget is already stretched to its limits, with
a £800 million maintenance backlog. It simply cannot absorb
the level of investment required.
“This is not just an education issue—it is a societal
obligation. We must invest in facilities that empower our
children, support our teachers and uphold our commitment to
inclusion and equity.
“The Education Authority has published detailed plans for
all 40 special schools, outlining short, medium, and long-term
capital works. These plans form the blueprint for transformation
but require Executive endorsement and funding to
proceed.”
The Minister concluded: “I urge all parties to unite
behind this proposal. Let us move from patchwork solutions to
purposeful transformation. Let us invest not only in buildings,
but in hope, opportunity, and the dignity of every child who
relies on us to get this right.”
The statement can be read in full at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/oral-statement-special-educational-needs-capital-investment-16-september-2025.
