To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the special school cross-departmental working group established in 2025 to discuss a Behaviour for Learning Framework: iTHRIVE model.

The Education Authority (EA) has advised that each special school in Northern Ireland now has a designated Behaviour Advocate (BA) role, with responsibility for whole-school oversight. This role is supported by the EA through permanent release time equivalent to one day per week, and provides a mechanism to ensure that the needs and perspectives of pupils within each special school are understood, represented and advocated for effectively.

On 30 April 2026 a full-day meeting was organised to bring together BAs from across the sector, alongside representatives from Educational Psychology Service (EPS), the EA Special Schools’ Service and the Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC)1. During the event, the proposed iTHRIVE model and the rationale underpinning its development were presented to attendees. Discussions also focused on the future role of the BA network, the support required to sustain its work, and the time commitment necessary to facilitate progress.

It is anticipated that the network will meet on a half-termly basis, and a schedule of meetings for the 206-27 academic year is currently being developed by the Special Schools’ Service. EPS is also contributing to this work and are considering their role and capacity to support any ongoing development.

Overall, the proposed model was welcomed by participants, who expressed appreciation that strategic work is now progressing to address behaviours that challenge across the special school sector.