AQW 33386/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of schools that have been approached regarding the creation of a Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools (SPiMs) for 2026-2027; and (ii) the number of schools that have agreed to taking on a new SPiMs for 2026-2027; and (iii) the number of these SPiMs currently being developed.
Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 13 October 2025
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 13 October 2025
- Answer due by
- 28 October 2025
- Answered
- 3 November 202521 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
Circa 400 schools.
53 schools have agreed and projects are progressing to establish provision for 26 or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition, there are over 120 site assessments progressing to explore feasibility on school sites to identify further opportunities to create capacity for 2026 placements. These have been identified through engagement with schools.
All 53 schools identified in (ii) above are progressing as projects with anticipated delivery date for 2026. This delivery date is subject to BC approval, statutory approvals and contract award.