MLAs back motion for funding to protect special school summer schemes

MLAs voted to support a motion calling for funding to prevent future cancellations of summer schemes at special schools after the Education Authority briefly cancelled them and the Department of Health agreed to provide nursing support.

MLAs were recalled to Stormont to debate a motion seeking funding to prevent future cancellations of summer schemes at special schools. The recall followed a decision by the Education Authority to cancel the schemes because of insufficient healthcare provision. That decision was reversed after the Department of Health agreed to provide nursing support at each summer scheme location. The debate included questions to ministers and contributions from families affected by the cancellations. Key facts: - The Education Authority announced cancellations citing lack of healthcare provision and then reversed the decision after the Department of Health agreed to supply nursing support. - Sixty-eight MLAs voted on the amendment; 40 voted in favour and the remainder voted against. - The Alliance Party tabled a recall petition, supported by Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the TUV, to allow ministers to be questioned about the cancellations. - Families of children with special needs attended the debate and described the summer schemes as vital services for their households. Summary: The motion reflects cross-party concern about how the cancellations were handled and the importance of reliable staffing for summer schemes. Officials have announced that nursing support will be provided at summer scheme locations this year. Undetermined at this time.