To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the current Allied Health Professional to pupil ratios.

It is acknowledged that pressures across the AHP workforce mean there are significant challenges in meeting the growing demand for services, including meeting the needs of children with SEN. The current AHP to pupil rations are not adequate.

The Public Health Agency, in partnership with Education sector colleagues, is leading a comprehensive analysis of the therapeutic needs of children with SEN in Special Schools. Three SEN project leads have been recruited to date specifically to consider the data to inform the needs of children with SEN. The fourth SEN Project Lead is due to take up post in June 2025 and the remaining Trust is actively progressing with recruitment. This work is planned to be completed on a phased basis by March 2026.

At the same time, I am mindful that the Programme for Government highlights access to therapeutic support for children with SEN more broadly. To ensure we make the greatest impact, the Chief AHP Officer has convened a cross-system meeting in June to get a clearer picture of the current gap, how the different pieces of work connect and what our collective plan will be moving forward.

Cross Departmental working also remains critical to the delivery of a collaborative approach which fully supports children and young people with SEN. I and my officials continue to work closely with the Department of Education on a whole system approach to SEN reform.