Education Minister Paul Givan has requested that the Education Authority (EA) investigate all possible options to provide summer schemes for children with special educational needs this year.

The move follows a meeting with the Chief Executive of the EA to address the significant impact the cancellation of these programmes would have on pupils and their families. While the Minister acknowledged that the decision-making power regarding these schemes rests with the EA, he has asked for further engagement with the Department of Health to review the current situation. Minister Givan stated that the Education Authority is prepared to deliver the schemes if the Department of Health can secure the required nursing and clinical support. He also noted that further discussions with special school leaders would be necessary.

"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," Mr Givan said. He highlighted that school principals are currently managing complex medical issues without sufficient specialist support, describing the resulting pressure on staff and families as "unacceptable."

The Minister reaffirmed the Department of Education's commitment to working alongside the EA, the Department of Health, and school leaders to establish arrangements that are safe and sustainable.

He added: "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."