Motion Amendment

Motion TitleCancellation of Summer Schemes in Special Schools - Amendment 4

Motion Amendment TextLeave out all after ‘grave concern’ and insert: ‘at the handling of the proposed cancellation of summer schemes in special schools in 2026; welcomes the subsequent confirmation that these schemes will now proceed, providing much-needed reassurance to children with special educational needs and their families; recognises, however, that this reversal only followed sustained public pressure from parents and wider society; notes that this situation raises serious questions about how such a proposal was brought forward in the first place, given the essential nature of these schemes and the apparent availability of resources; further notes concern at the timing of the original announcement on the eve of the Assembly’s Easter recess, which limited opportunities for immediate scrutiny; believes that this episode demonstrates a failure of planning, coordination and prioritisation within the relevant departments; and calls on the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education to set out, as a matter of urgency, a full account of the decision-making process, including how the proposal arose, what options were considered, and what steps will be taken to ensure that vital services for children with special educational needs are never again placed at risk in this manner; and further calls on the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that going forward, all monies received under Barnett consequentials because of uplifts to the special educational needs budget in England, remain within the sector in Northern Ireland.’

Amendment Number4

Motion Amendment CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office30/03/2026