Alliance pushes Assembly recall over cancelled special school summer schemes

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson And North Antrim TUV MLA Timothy Gaston

The sudden cancellation of special school summer schemes has sparked a political backlash, with calls to urgently recall the Northern Ireland Assembly as families face losing what many describe as a “lifeline” service.

The Alliance Party has formally tabled a recall petition, aiming to force ministers back into the chamber during Easter recess to answer for a decision that has left parents scrambling for alternatives — and, in many cases, finding none.

“Nothing short of disgraceful”

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson did not hold back, describing the move to suspend schemes as “nothing short of disgraceful” and criticising the timing of the announcement.

“That this announcement was dropped as the Assembly enters Easter recess only adds insult to injury,” he said.

“Once again, it is the most vulnerable children who are paying the price for failure and inaction. Parents are being left abandoned, scrambling for alternatives that simply do not exist.”

The Education Authority confirmed the schemes are being called off due to concerns over the healthcare provision available for children attending — a justification that has done little to ease anger among families or politicians.

Pressure mounts on Ministers

Alliance education spokesperson Nick Mathison

Alliance education spokesperson Nick Mathison said the situation reflects long-standing systemic failures, particularly around nursing provision in special schools.

“It is incredibly frustrating that this decision has been made,” he said.

“Whilst I understand that this has been taken on grounds of safety, we should not be in a position where a lack of funding means that families and children miss out on a resource that is an absolute lifeline for many over the summer months.”

He added that the issue has been known for years, warning that the current crisis was avoidable.

“This is not a new issue for either department… Both Health and Education should have been working on this issue throughout the year to ensure adequate nursing provision for summer schemes.”

Alliance is now calling for urgent joint action from both departments, including a funding package to restore the schemes in time for summer.

Cross-party anger and support for recall

The push for an Assembly recall has gained cross-party backing, with TUV MLA Timothy Gaston also supporting the move.

He said the decision has “rightly caused anger among families across Northern Ireland,” stressing that the schemes are far from optional.

“These schemes are not a luxury — they are a lifeline, providing vital support for children with complex needs and essential respite for parents.”

Mr Gaston pointed to what he described as a breakdown in coordination between government departments.

“It is simply not acceptable that, with months still to go before the summer, Stormont has allowed this provision to collapse without a clear alternative in place.”

He also criticised the timing of the announcement, made just as the Assembly entered recess, calling it “unacceptable”.

Families left without answers

At the heart of the controversy are families now facing a summer without structured support — a gap that campaigners warn could have serious consequences.

Both Alliance and TUV have demanded that ministers return to Stormont immediately to explain:

• how the situation was allowed to develop

• who is responsible

• and what urgent steps will be taken to restore provision

For now, the recall petition represents a growing political effort to force action — but with the clock ticking towards summer, pressure is mounting for swift and decisive intervention.

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At a glance

• Special school summer schemes across Northern Ireland have been cancelled

• Decision taken due to concerns over healthcare provision for children

• Alliance Party has tabled a petition to recall the Assembly during Easter recess

• Eóin Tennyson described the move as “nothing short of disgraceful”

• Nick Mathison called for urgent joint funding from Health and Education

• TUV MLA Timothy Gaston has backed the recall effort

• Families left without alternatives for vital summer support

• Schemes described as a “lifeline” for children with complex needs

• Ministers under pressure to explain and restore provision

• Urgent political action now expected in the coming days