05/06/2026
Education Minister Launches New Inclusive Play Programme
Education Minister Paul Givan has officially introduced the Inclusive Play Programme during a visit to Stepping Stones Playgroup, located at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Belfast. The initiative forms part of the wider Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Delivery Plan.
The first cohort of schools commenced the eight-week scheme in May 2026. Run in partnership with PlayBoard NI, the initiative integrates specialist guidance from play therapists to boost the social, emotional, behavioural, and cognitive growth of children through play.
During his visit, the Minister said: "There is growing evidence that play is essential to children's development, particularly for those with SEN. Embedding inclusive play into everyday school life will support the diverse needs of pupils, while strengthening relationships, improving engagement and enhancing learning outcomes. It is encouraging to see this programme working in practice here at Stepping Stones Playgroup."
Financed via the Public Sector Transformation Fund (PSTF), the programme is scheduled to be rolled out across 48 different educational settings over the course of three academic years.
Edwina Weiniger, Chair of the Stepping Stones committee, commented: "We are delighted to be one of the first schools to take part in this exciting programme, which supports children through engaging, hands-on play experiences. It also offers valuable training for staff, parents, and carers to strengthen inclusive practice. With its strong emphasis on outdoor learning, the programme aligns closely with our Forest School ambitions, building a lasting legacy of inclusive play within our pre-school nursery community in North Belfast."
The Minister concluded: "The Inclusive Play Programme will equip teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as parents, with the knowledge, tools and support needed to deliver high-quality, inclusive play, ensuring every child can develop, participate and thrive."
The first cohort of schools commenced the eight-week scheme in May 2026. Run in partnership with PlayBoard NI, the initiative integrates specialist guidance from play therapists to boost the social, emotional, behavioural, and cognitive growth of children through play.
During his visit, the Minister said: "There is growing evidence that play is essential to children's development, particularly for those with SEN. Embedding inclusive play into everyday school life will support the diverse needs of pupils, while strengthening relationships, improving engagement and enhancing learning outcomes. It is encouraging to see this programme working in practice here at Stepping Stones Playgroup."
Edwina Weiniger, Chair of the Stepping Stones committee, commented: "We are delighted to be one of the first schools to take part in this exciting programme, which supports children through engaging, hands-on play experiences. It also offers valuable training for staff, parents, and carers to strengthen inclusive practice. With its strong emphasis on outdoor learning, the programme aligns closely with our Forest School ambitions, building a lasting legacy of inclusive play within our pre-school nursery community in North Belfast."
The Minister concluded: "The Inclusive Play Programme will equip teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as parents, with the knowledge, tools and support needed to deliver high-quality, inclusive play, ensuring every child can develop, participate and thrive."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
09 June 2022
Alliance Secures Action On Delivery of Inclusive Play Parks
Belfast City Council has agreed to begin work on the delivery of inclusive play across the city following a proposal from Alliance. Alliance Councillor Ross McMullan said no children should have the daily experience of exclusion from city and neighbourhood play parks.
Alliance Secures Action On Delivery of Inclusive Play Parks
Belfast City Council has agreed to begin work on the delivery of inclusive play across the city following a proposal from Alliance. Alliance Councillor Ross McMullan said no children should have the daily experience of exclusion from city and neighbourhood play parks.
26 June 2019
Inclusive Playpark Opens At Stormont Estate
The popular playpark at Stormont Estate has been transformed into a fully inclusive facility just in time for the summer holidays. Following an £800,000 investment, the Mo Mowlam Playpark incorporates a wheelchair accessible roundabout, swing, low level lookout tower and trampoline.
Inclusive Playpark Opens At Stormont Estate
The popular playpark at Stormont Estate has been transformed into a fully inclusive facility just in time for the summer holidays. Following an £800,000 investment, the Mo Mowlam Playpark incorporates a wheelchair accessible roundabout, swing, low level lookout tower and trampoline.
30 November 2022
Executive Office Marks International Day Of Persons With Disabilities
The Executive Officer has marked the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which aims to spread the word on disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Executive Office Marks International Day Of Persons With Disabilities
The Executive Officer has marked the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which aims to spread the word on disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
16 May 2025
Strathfoyle Play Park Closed Due To Significant Arson Damage
Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced the closure of Strathfoyle Play following an arson attack that resulted in significant damage to its play equipment. The incident occurred overnight on Wednesday, 14th May, and is being treated by authorities as a deliberate act of vandalism.
Strathfoyle Play Park Closed Due To Significant Arson Damage
Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced the closure of Strathfoyle Play following an arson attack that resulted in significant damage to its play equipment. The incident occurred overnight on Wednesday, 14th May, and is being treated by authorities as a deliberate act of vandalism.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with patchy light rain spreading southeast through the morning. Then turning drier and brighter for a time into the afternoon before increasing amounts of cloud again later. Maximum temperature 19 °C.Tonight:At first a mainly dry but rather cloudy evening. Cloud becomes extensive overnight, thickening to give little rain or drizzle at times, perhaps briefly heavy in the north. Minimum temperature 13 °C.