AQW 10560/22-27
Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford
Tabled Date: 22/04/2024
Answered On Date: 01/05/2024
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Education (i) how many schools have confirmed that they will introduce a new Specialist Provision in Mainstream School for September 2024; and (ii) how he will ensure that these are ready by September 2024 in relation to (a) the funding required; and (b) the recruitment of staff.
Answer:
The process of securing additional specialist education provision for September 2024 is ongoing and the position changes on a frequent basis. As of 28 April 2024, over 200 schools had expressed an interest in facilitating specialist provision classes. The Education Authority (EA) have secured agreement or are in the process of discussions with schools for 48 additional Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools (SPiMS) classes for September 2024. Funding required varies from school to school depending on the level of adaptations required. Schools are responsible for their own staff recruitment. On 23 April 2024, the Permanent Secretary issued a letter to all schools encouraging them to consider establishing specialist provision or expanding existing provision. This letter was followed by a short survey to determine existing or new capacity which issued on 24 April 2024 and closes on 3 May 2024. The results of the survey will be considered and followed up by the department and the EA and will inform planning and decisions about further specialist education provision to be created and funding required to facilitate these.
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