30/03/2026
Agreement Reached to Secure Special School Summer Schemes
A solution has been established to ensure special school summer schemes can go ahead this year following intensive discussions between the Department of Education, the Department of Health, and the Education Authority (EA).
The Department of Health has committed to providing nursing support at every summer scheme location. This arrangement ensures the necessary clinical oversight is present, creating a viable and prompt path forward for the schemes to operate as intended.
The Education Authority is now set to coordinate with special school principals to fast-track the detailed planning and preparation required for the delivery of these programmes.
Welcoming the announcement, Paul Givan said: "Special school summer schemes play a vital role in supporting children and young people with complex needs, offering continuity of care and essential support for families. After intense and constructive engagement today, a solution has now been agreed. The Education Authority will now work closely with special school principals to urgently progress detailed planning and preparation for the delivery of the schemes. This was the outcome that we wanted for families, however the safety and well-being of children and young people was our concern. I am pleased that we have now been able to find a way forward."
Mike Nesbitt continued: "I am pleased to confirm that nursing support can now be made available at each special school summer scheme site. We will continue to work with all partners to develop and a robust, sustainable, year-round model of health care support for special schools. This long-term work aims to provide greater stability, strengthen provision and ensure that the needs of children with complex medical requirements are consistently and appropriately met."
The Department of Health has committed to providing nursing support at every summer scheme location. This arrangement ensures the necessary clinical oversight is present, creating a viable and prompt path forward for the schemes to operate as intended.
The Education Authority is now set to coordinate with special school principals to fast-track the detailed planning and preparation required for the delivery of these programmes.
Mike Nesbitt continued: "I am pleased to confirm that nursing support can now be made available at each special school summer scheme site. We will continue to work with all partners to develop and a robust, sustainable, year-round model of health care support for special schools. This long-term work aims to provide greater stability, strengthen provision and ensure that the needs of children with complex medical requirements are consistently and appropriately met."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few showers around in the morning but still plenty of dry and bright spells. Drier in the afternoon, although the odd shower still possible, with longer sunny spells developing. Mostly light winds but breezy near coasts. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:It will be a dry evening with some late sunny spells before turning cloudier from the west. Becoming cloudy for all overnight with outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards. Minimum temperature 2 °C.