AQW 50953/22-27
Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford
Tabled Date: 04/09/2026
Answered On Date: 22/09/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the reason why the project partnership between his Department and the Public Health Agency across seven special schools, which aims to provide creative therapies, such as music, play, art and drama as a pilot, has been paused.
Answer:
The work referenced in the AQW, is part of a joint initiative between the Departments of Education and Health. The Engaging the Voices of Children and Young People with Complex and Profound Disabilities pilot project was part of a wider programme of work aimed at supporting the voices of vulnerable children and young people to be heard. The primary purpose of the specific project referenced, was not the provision of creative therapies such as music, play, art and drama, rather, the project was designed to test an approach to engaging with children and young people with complex and profound disabilities, through these creative methods, enabling their views and experiences to be heard and helping to support their emotional health and wellbeing. While it was recognised that participation could also have therapeutic benefits, the primary purpose of the pilot was to explore effective approaches to engagement and participation. The pilot project, supported through non-recurrent funding, concluded in June 2026. As with all pilot initiatives, an evaluation is currently being undertaken to assess the extent to which the project achieved its objectives and to identify learning for future development. The findings, which are expected in the coming weeks, will inform future decisions regarding priorities and potential opportunities for development across the region.
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