AQW 30747/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 09/09/2025
Answered On Date: 15/09/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities who are currently experiencing contingency arrangements due to not having a full-time school place; (ii) a list of what those contingency arrangements are; and (iii) a breakdown of the number of pupils experiencing each contingency arrangement.

Answer:

As unavoidable construction works continue, 80 children across 17 schools require interim arrangements, with 62 children across 14 mainstream schools and 18 children across three special schools supported through bespoke contingency arrangements including alternative classroom provision, structured home visits, and dual day classes to minimise disruption to learning whilst vital accommodation enhancements are completed.

Whilst the Education Authority (EA) support schools in the identification of contingency based on their individual circumstances, school leaders are responsible for the delivery of each contingency in line with the annual phased induction and school calendar within their school communities. Therefore, EA would not retain a breakdown of the number of pupils experiencing each contingency arrangement.