To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) specialist pre-school places funded by the Non-Statutory Specialist Pre-School Provision for Children with Complex Needs and Severe Learning Difficulties; and (ii) places that have been allocated, in this academic year.

The Education Authority has advised that:

There are currently 6 children placed in these provisions.

Article 12 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 deals specifically with special educational provision in institutions in Northern Ireland other than grant-aided schools. This applies when a child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs and the EA considers provision outside a grant-aided school. EA cannot place a child in a non-grant-aided school without the consent of the Department of Education. DE will only grant permission if satisfied that:

•The placement is necessary to meet the child’s needs.

•No suitable provision exists within grant-aided schools.

•The arrangement complies with statutory duties and funding rules.