To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 33386/22-27, to detail the number of new Specialist Provisions in Mainstream Schools required to provide appropriate special educational needs placements in the 2026-2027 academic year.

There is an estimated pressure for an additional 468 pupil places for September 2026 across Specialist Provision Classes. This equates to approximately 51 additional Specialist Provision (Learning) and Specialist Provision (Social Communication) classes.

In addition, there is an estimated pressure for an additional 607 pupil places for September 2026 across special schools. Approximately 25-30 Specialist Provision (Special) classes will be required in mainstream schools to support special schools in meeting this need. This number is subject to change as capacity meetings with special school principals are ongoing and due to be completed before the Christmas break.