Statement on summer schemes at special schools in Northern Ireland

Education Minister Paul Givan has asked the Education Authority (EA) to explore options for summer schemes for children with special educational needs.

Following a meeting with the Chief Executive of the EA, the Education Minister Paul Givan said: “Decisions regarding the operation of summer schemes in special schools rests with the Education Authority (EA). However, given the profound impact that the cancellation of these schemes will have on children, young people and their families, I have asked the EA to engage further with the Department of Health to review the position and to explore all possible avenues to provide summer schemes for as many children as possible. If the Department of Health can provide the necessary clinical and nursing support, the Education Authority has confirmed that it stands ready to deliver summer schemes this year. Further engagement will also be required with special school leaders.

“I recently met with the Health Minister, alongside school principals, to set out clearly that nursing provision is essential not only for summer schemes but across the full school year. Principals continue to manage complex medical issues in the absence of adequate specialist support and the withdrawal or limitation of these services has placed significant and unacceptable pressure on school leaders, staff and families.

“The Department of Education remains fully committed to working at pace with the EA, the Department of Health and school leaders to identify safe, sustainable and properly supported arrangements. Our shared objective is to ensure that children with the most complex needs are not left without vital support and that families have confidence in the services designed to assist them.”