To ask the Minister of Education to detail any funded plan that exists to address the shortage of specialist provision, including (i) staffing; (ii) buildings; (iii) transport; and (iv) transition support, within the education system.

(i) Staffing

An Enhanced Support Package has been developed for schools establishing specialist provision, covering staffing, training and annual administration payments. Full details of which are available at Working Together on SEN Provision | SEND Plan.

(ii) Buildings

In April 2024, I launched the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Capital Investment Programme to transform capital investment to support children with SEN. This programme is structured around four strands:

1.an annual maintenance and equipment programme;

2.new specialist provision in mainstream schools;

3.extension and refurbishment of special schools; and

4.new special schools.

Since the programme commenced, over £110 million has been invested to deliver new and enhance existing accommodation in special schools and establish new specialist provisions in mainstream schools. It is projected that to meet the needs of SEN pupils across Northern Ireland, a further £1.8billion will be required over the next decade.

This level of investment cannot be met within the existing education capital budget. To address this, I have submitted proposals to the Executive in September 2025 and May 2026, seeking support for an Executive-led and funded SEN capital investment programme.

(iii) Transport

Funding is provided to the EA to deliver school transport services in line with my Department’s Home to School Transport Policy. Eligibility is assessed on an individual pupil basis. In addition, the EA may provide transport assistance for pupils with a statement of special educational needs where an additional transport need has been identified through the statutory assessment process. The form of transport assistance provided is determined by the EA, taking account of the individual needs of the pupil and the efficient use of resources in line with Departmental policy.

(iv) Transition Support

The Education Authority’s Transition Service supports young people with statements of special educational needs as they move from school into adulthood. The service focuses on coordinating transition planning, working in partnership with education, health and social care services to identify appropriate pathways, including further education, training, and support services. It aims to ensure that planning is person-centred, timely, and responsive to individual need, helping to prepare young people for post-school provision and adult life.