AQW 30425/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 29230/22-27, what role special school principals have in the review of the population health needs of children attending special educational needs schools.
Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 5 September 2025
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Priority
- Tabled
- 5 September 2025
- Answer due by
- 10 September 2025
- Answered
- 15 September 202510 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
Following initial engagement with a number of concerned Special School principals, the Public Health Agency was commissioned by the Chief Nursing Officer to review the population health needs of children attending Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools in Northern Ireland and the current nursing contribution in meeting their health needs.
The approach to this review has included consultation with key stakeholders. Interviews and focus groups have been completed with health and education professionals, as well as parents. Special School principals were included in this process, as they have a key role to play in the delivery of services to this cohort of students.
I expect the PHA report to be finalised and provided to me shortly.