Education & Health Ministers intervene as pressure mounts to save SEN summer schemes

Northern Ireland’s Education Minister Paul Givan, and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt

Families of children with special educational needs have been handed renewed hope after Stormont ministers stepped in over the controversial cancellation of summer schemes.

Education Minister Paul Givan has called for urgent engagement to restore provision, while Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has now voiced “extreme concern” — ordering officials to explore how schemes could still go ahead.

The dual intervention marks a significant escalation in efforts to reverse a decision that has left families across Northern Ireland facing a summer without vital support.

Givan calls for urgent cross-department action

Following a meeting with the Education Authority (EA) Chief Executive, Mr Givan said the impact of the cancellation could not be ignored.

“Decisions regarding the operation of summer schemes in special schools rests with the Education Authority (EA),” he said.

“However, given the profound impact that the cancellation of these schemes will have on children, young people and their families, I have asked the EA to engage further with the Department of Health to review the position and to explore all possible avenues to provide summer schemes for as many children as possible.”

He added that the EA has made clear it is ready to deliver — if key support is secured.

“If the Department of Health can provide the necessary clinical and nursing support, the Education Authority has confirmed that it stands ready to deliver summer schemes this year.”

Nesbitt: “Unthinkable” that children should lose out

In a significant development, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has now entered the debate, signalling growing concern at the highest level of government.

He said:

“I fully appreciate the importance of respite for parents and carers of children with special educational needs. It is also simply unthinkable that the young people themselves should lose out on the enjoyment of the summer school environment.

“I have therefore tasked the Permanent Secretary to urgently explore how a suitable and appropriate provision could be put in place.”

His intervention signals a clear push from the Department of Health to identify a workable solution, particularly around the provision of clinical and nursing support.

Nursing crisis at the heart of the dispute

The availability of specialist nursing provision continues to sit at the centre of the crisis.

Mr Givan revealed he had already met with the Health Minister and school principals to underline the scale of the issue.

“I recently met with the Health Minister, alongside school principals, to set out clearly that nursing provision is essential not only for summer schemes but across the full school year,” he said.

“Principals continue to manage complex medical issues in the absence of adequate specialist support and the withdrawal or limitation of these services has placed significant and unacceptable pressure on school leaders, staff and families.”

Families across Northern Ireland left in limbo

For families — including many in Ballymena and across Mid and East Antrim — the schemes are far more than seasonal programmes.

They provide essential structure, social development, and crucial respite for parents caring for children with complex needs. Their loss has sparked deep concern, with many now facing an uncertain summer without support.

Race to find a solution

Despite the uncertainty, both departments have now committed to urgent action.

“The Department of Education remains fully committed to working at pace with the EA, the Department of Health and school leaders to identify safe, sustainable and properly supported arrangements,” Mr Givan said.

“Our shared objective is to ensure that children with the most complex needs are not left without vital support and that families have confidence in the services designed to assist them.”

With both ministers now actively engaged, attention will turn to whether a workable solution — particularly around nursing provision — can be delivered in time for this summer.

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At a glance

• Summer schemes for children with special educational needs were cancelled by the Education Authority

• Education Minister Paul Givan has called for urgent talks to restore provision

• EA says it is ready to deliver schemes if clinical and nursing support is secured

• Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has expressed “extreme concern” over the situation

• Nesbitt has tasked officials to urgently explore alternative provision

• Nursing support remains the key barrier to running the schemes

• School leaders are under pressure managing complex medical needs

• Families rely on schemes for respite, routine and social development

• Ministers say work is ongoing to find a safe and sustainable solution