AQW 21050/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 21/01/2025
Answered On Date: 05/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the minimum number of pupils required to keep an education otherwise than at school setting operational.

Answer:

EOTAS

While there is no set minimum number to confirm operational delivery in an EOTAS setting, data is constantly analysed to guide practice and service delivery. If the number of children in a centre over a sustained period is low, and their needs can be supported elsewhere within the same service delivery model, operational delivery within a particular setting may cease to ensure financial sustainability.

Exceptional Teaching Arrangements

The exceptional teaching arrangements service has four group settings, which depending on the physical building and staffing can accommodate from 9 - 20 children. The minimum number required for a centre to operate is therefore usually 9 -10 children, however there may be occasions when the centre will operate with fewer numbers due to individual pupil circumstances.