Minister says inclusive play can help transform learning for children with SEN

(L-R) Edwina Weiniger, Stepping Stones Chairperson, Elaine Loughran, Principal  Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Education Minister, Paul Givan, Alan Herron, Playboard NI CEO and Susan Williams, SEN Inclusive Play Project Coordinator, Playboard NI with pupils.

An ambitious new programme designed to reshape how children with special educational needs experience learning through play has officially launched in Northern Ireland, with dozens of schools set to benefit over the next three years.

Education Minister Paul Givan unveiled the new Inclusive Play Programme during a visit to Stepping Stones Playgroup at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Belfast, where the first phase of the initiative is already underway.

The scheme forms part of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Delivery Plan and aims to strengthen children’s social, emotional, behavioural and cognitive development by embedding inclusive play into everyday school life.

Funded through the Public Sector Transformation Fund (PSTF), the programme will be delivered across 48 educational settings over three academic years, signalling a significant long-term investment in support for children with additional needs.

Play-based learning at the centre of SEN reform

The first group of schools began implementing the eight-week programme in May 2026 in partnership with PlayBoard, with specialist support provided by play therapists.

The initiative focuses not only on children, but also on equipping school staff, parents and carers with practical tools and training to support inclusive learning environments.

Speaking during the launch visit, the Minister highlighted the growing evidence around the importance of play in child development — particularly for pupils with SEN.

He said:

“There is growing evidence that play is essential to children’s development, particularly for those with SEN. Embedding inclusive play into everyday school life will support the diverse needs of pupils, while strengthening relationships, improving engagement and enhancing learning outcomes.

“It is encouraging to see this programme working in practice here at Stepping Stones Playgroup.”

The programme comes as schools across Northern Ireland continue to face increasing pressure around SEN provision, classroom support and early intervention services.

For many families, particularly those navigating developmental or behavioural challenges, access to inclusive and supportive learning environments has become an increasingly important issue.

Schools and parents to receive specialist support

(L-R) Susan Williams, SEN Inclusive Play Project, Alan Herron, Playboard NI CEO, Education Minister, Paul Givan, Elaine Loughran, Principal Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School and Edwina Weiniger, Stepping Stones Chairperson with pupils.

Stepping Stones Playgroup is among the first settings taking part in the programme and says the initiative is already helping strengthen its long-term approach to inclusive education.

Edwina Weiniger, Chair of the Stepping Stones committee, said the project offers benefits extending far beyond classroom play sessions.

She said: “We are delighted to be one of the first schools to take part in this exciting programme, which supports children through engaging, hands-on play experiences.

“It also offers valuable training for staff, parents, and carers to strengthen inclusive practice.

“With its strong emphasis on outdoor learning, the programme aligns closely with our Forest School ambitions, building a lasting legacy of inclusive play within our pre-school nursery community in North Belfast.”

The outdoor learning aspect is expected to play a key role in helping children develop communication, confidence and emotional regulation skills in less formal learning environments.

Education specialists have increasingly pointed to play-based and sensory learning approaches as an important part of supporting children who may struggle in traditional classroom settings.

48 settings to benefit over three years

The Department of Education says the programme is intended to create lasting change in how inclusive play is delivered across schools and early years settings.

As the rollout expands, dozens more schools and nurseries are expected to take part, potentially affecting hundreds of children, families and education staff across Northern Ireland.

Concluding the launch event, the Minister said the programme aims to ensure all children have equal opportunities to participate and thrive.

He said: “The Inclusive Play Programme will equip teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as parents, with the knowledge, tools and support needed to deliver high-quality, inclusive play, ensuring every child can develop, participate and thrive.”

The programme’s wider rollout over the coming academic years is expected to form part of broader efforts to improve SEN support and early years intervention across Northern Ireland’s education system.