To ask the Minister of Health whether nursing provision will immediately be restored to all special schools who have had it removed.

My priority remains to ensure that all children have safe access to education, supported by the necessary clinical support. To help ensure this, my Department’s Chief Nursing Officer has commissioned the Public Health Agency to work in partnership with the Education Authority and other key stakeholders to undertake a comprehensive needs assessment to scope the healthcare needs of children attending mainstream and special education schools.

I anticipate that a final report will be completed for consideration by the end of May 2025. It will allow us to identify the specific health challenges faced by this population, evaluate the complexity of their needs, and determine the support systems necessary to ensure timely, child-specific care within the school environment.

There are no plans for further changes in the current provision of on-site nursing support in Special Education Needs schools until that review is completed.