Special school summer schemes will now take place this year following significant public and political backlash to their earlier cancellation.
It was revealed on Thursday that the programmes — which support children with additional needs during the summer months — were set to be scrapped in 2026 due to concerns around the level of healthcare provision available for pupils.
However, by Friday afternoon, a resolution had been reached after discussions between the Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Education Authority (EA).
Under the new agreement, the Department of Health will provide nursing support at every special school summer scheme site, reversing its previous position that registered nurses were not required at all locations.
The Education Minister and the Health Minister today confirmed that, following intensive engagement between both Departments and the Education Authority (EA), a solution has been secured that will allow special school summer schemes to proceed this year.
The Department of Health has confirmed that nursing support will be provided at every summer scheme location. This ensures that essential clinical oversight will be in place and offers a workable and timely way forward, enabling the schemes to operate as planned.
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.”
