Education Minister publishes Review of Special School Provision

Education Minister John O’Dowd has published a Review of Special School Provision.

The purpose of the review was to undertake an assessment of the future profile of special schools in the overall context of the area planning process. The review was conducted by a Ministerial Working Group led by Dr Clare Mangan, Regional Managing Director in the Education Authority.

Welcoming the findings of the Review the Minister said:

“Special schools are an integral part of the education sector here in the north. I want to ensure that there is a network of strong viable special schools to provide children and young people with a system that delivers educational excellence for all. The area planning process is the means to determine the shape of the schools network and special schools have an important part to play in that process.

“I concur with the review recommendations about all special schools having a common structure including pre-school and provision to the age of 19 and for children to be able to attend their nearest school. There is an onus on all of us in the education sector to ensure that careful strategic planning and resources are in place to provide the highest standard of special education. Special schools also have an important part to play within Area Learning Communities and this alliance needs to be fostered and enhanced.

“I will commission the Education Authority to prepare, publish and consult on a regional area plan for Special Schools. This report will provide the framework for the regional Area Plan.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The review can be found on the DE website.

2. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.

3. See photos from the Department of Education in our Flickr collection.

4. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

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