Education Minister Paul Givan has officially opened a new Specialist Provision class and sensory room at Lislagan Primary School in Ballymoney, marking a significant enhancement in support for pupils with diverse learning needs.

The Specialist Provision class is designed to offer tailored support and resources, enabling pupils with varying needs to participate fully within the mainstream curriculum.

During the opening ceremony, Paul Givan said: "This is an important day for Lislagan Primary, marking the official opening of a new Specialist Provision class and sensory room at the school." He further emphasised the benefits of the new facility: "This new class provides a facility that helps to ensure more vulnerable learners have access to quality education in an environment that is tailored to support their learning within a setting that allows integration and inclusion with their peers. All pupils need to have the opportunity to achieve their full potential; by having the best educational experiences, equality of opportunity and pathways that meets their needs."

The Minister concluded his remarks by highlighting the practical impact of such provisions: "My visit to Lislagan today has let me see again, firsthand, how specialist provision classes can play a vital role in helping schools provide quality education to children and young people with additional needs."

Louise Creelman, Principal of Lislagan Primary School, expressed her delight at the new additions: "We are delighted to be able to open a new social and communication class in our school. This provision offers those children with social and communication difficulties a school experience designed specifically to their individual needs."