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MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the announcement from Education Minister Paul Givan of a wide-ranging programme of significant and sustained capital investment for the development of school facilities to support children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) across Northern Ireland.
The Newry and Armagh representative said the announcement would benefit Rathore school in Newry. Ms Kimmins said “This is a positive announcement from the Education Minister to build and provide first-class special educational needs facilities, including Rathore and Lisanally Schools in my constituency
“Our children with additional needs deserve to have access to the very best facilities that will help them achieve their full potential in life."
Minister Givan explaining the reasons for his investment “It is simply not good enough that many of our most vulnerable children are being educated in ageing facilities, too often without adequate equipment and resources. Our special school staff, who work with our most vulnerable learners, need and deserve facilities that match their skills and expertise.”
He added “I have put in place an annual £5million maintenance programme for special schools as well as £4million to provide equipment grants to both special schools and schools with specialist provisions, to ensure they have the right resources to support their pupils.”
Liz Kimmins MLA added that long term planning is central to meet demand "However, as a long standing member of the Board of Governors at Rathore School, I am acutely aware of the huge challenges facing schools and families, and it is essential that a long term planning is central to meeting the increasing demand for SEN School placements.
“I am committed to working with all parties to deliver the much-needed transformation of the special educational needs system.
“This includes ensuring every child with special educational needs has a school place in time for September.”
