AQW 30425/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 05/09/2025
Answered On Date: 15/09/2025
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 29230/22-27, what role special school principals have in the review of the population health needs of children attending special educational needs schools.

Answer:

Following initial engagement with a number of concerned Special School principals, the Public Health Agency was commissioned by the Chief Nursing Officer to review the population health needs of children attending Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools in Northern Ireland and the current nursing contribution in meeting their health needs.

The approach to this review has included consultation with key stakeholders. Interviews and focus groups have been completed with health and education professionals, as well as parents. Special School principals were included in this process, as they have a key role to play in the delivery of services to this cohort of students.

I expect the PHA report to be finalised and provided to me shortly.