To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of special schools that have had nursing provision withdrawn, in the last two years.

All Special Education Needs (SEN) schools across Northern Ireland have had nursing provision available to manage the identified healthcare needs of the pupils attending them throughout the last two years.

In 2023/24 the delivery model in Knockevin school changed to an in-reach model with Community Children’s Nurses (CCNs) providing assessment and care planning for those children with complex health care needs. The nurses provided knowledge and skills-based training to key staff within the school and were available for queries and guidance as necessary.

After discussions with the South Eastern Trust, the presence of an onsite nurse in Knockevin was stepped up again in 2025 and currently a CCN is on site 2 mornings per week in addition to the presence of Allied Health Professional colleagues.

Following the recent publication of the PHA review of the healthcare needs of children attending SEN schools, my Department is set to commence work alongside colleagues from Education and other key stakeholders, to ensure that all children in SEN schools have access to necessary healthcare. This will seek to ensure the best outcomes for all these children, to enable them to access the curriculum in a school setting while receiving the right care at the right time by the right person and in the right place.