Christ the Redeemer Primary School in Belfast has officially opened its new Sunflower Room, a specialist early years and foundation stage provision for pupils with special educational needs.
The Sunflower Room provides children from surrounding communities with a supportive learning environment to help them feel confident and happy in their educational journey.
The Education Authority (EA) facilitated extensive renovations ahead of the September 2025 intake to ensure high-quality accommodation and comprehensive staff training. This will enable the school to provide tailored support to pupils to meet their individual needs.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Principal Neil Watson said: “We have already enjoyed many special events with our Sunflower Room pupils as we support them to develop new skills. We are delighted to have been joined by the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People at the official opening as we celebrate our achievements and look positively to the future.
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, who officially opened the facility, said: “It was a privilege to be invited to Christ the Redeemer Primary School to officially open their Sunflower Room. The remarkable dedication and hard work of both the school staff and pupils was evident from the moment I arrived.
“Ensuring that children with special educational needs and disability receive the support they deserve throughout their entire educational journey is essential; it is their fundamental right, and our office works tirelessly to uphold this.
“I am pleased to see the SEND reform plan published by the Minister over the last couple of months, but it is crucial that we continue to see tangible actions and practical solutions that provide high-quality, inclusive education for all pupils.
“As with any school visit, the highlight was engaging with the pupils. It was wonderful to see so many happy children enjoying the school’s facilities.”
Peter Canavan, EA Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Placements Programme Director, commented: “The EA remains committed to ensuring that all children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities get the right support from the right people, at the right time and in the right place.
Eve Bremner, Chief Executive, Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) added: “This is such an exciting opportunity for Christ the Redeemer Primary School, and we are delighted to see the official opening of the Sunflower Room take place. CCMS wishes the whole school community, especially the pupils who will enjoy learning in the Sunflower Room, every success for the future.”
