AQW 50949/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the Social Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing pilot in special schools.

Asked by Nick Mathison MLA on 4 September 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
4 September 2026
Answer due by
21 September 2026
Answered
16 September 202612 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
No

Answer

The Education Authority has advised that, in response to the increasing social, behavioural and emotional wellbeing needs of pupils and the subsequent need to enhance the special school workforce, a job description was developed for a Social Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing Support and Intervention Officer. Whilst a small number of schools were allocated this role, recruitment has not been successful in some cases, in others it is still ongoing. In this regard, it is not yet possible to provide a robust update on the impact of the role, however, this will be closely monitored during the 2026/27 academic year.

Official sources