MLAs set to be recalled over cancellation of special school summer schemes

By Jonathan McCambridge (Press Association)

MLAs look set to be recalled from their Easter break following criticism over a decision to cancel summer schemes at special schools in Northern Ireland this year.

The Alliance Party has tabled a recall motion at the Assembly after describing the decision as “nothing short of disgraceful”.

It emerged on Thursday that the schemes, which provide support for children with additional needs over the summer, would not go ahead in 2026 over concerns about the healthcare available for pupils.

An Assembly committee heard on Thursday that families are “spitting fire” over the decision.

The Education Authority (EA) said it had attempted to avoid the move through repeated engagement with the Department of Health.

Thirty MLAs need to support the Alliance motion for the Assembly to be recalled and several parties have already indicated they will back it.

Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson said: “The decision to suspend summer schemes at special schools is nothing short of disgraceful.

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

“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 response from the Education and Health Ministers has been woefully inadequate.”

Mr Tennyson said the ministers needed to provide answers to the Assembly.

Sinn Fein MLA Cathy Mason confirmed her party would be supporting the Alliance motion.

She said: “The decision to stop these schemes is deplorable and has caused unnecessary angst among parents and vulnerable children who rely heavily on this lifeline.

“The political blame game between the DUP and UUP ministers in the aftermath is disgraceful and only fuels further concern and confusion.

“Families deserve better.”

Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows said the summer schemes “provide vital structure, care and respite”.

He said: “For the EA to make this announcement on the eve of the Easter recess shows a clear and deliberate lack of accountability.”

TUV MLA Timothy Gaston said the decision to cancel special school summer schemes has “rightly caused anger among families across Northern Ireland”.

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

“Both the Education and Health Ministers owe the public an explanation.

“As has already been highlighted, vulnerable children have effectively been left in the lurch as a result of what appears to be a failure of coordination between 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.”

On Thursday, the EA said it had “made clear” that on-site nursing cover would be required for summer schemes to be held safely.

However, the authority said the Department of Health had confirmed this will not be available.

In a statement, the Education Authority said: “This decision has been taken solely on safety grounds.

“We deeply regret it and fully understand that it will be very distressing for children and parents.”

Speaking later, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said contingency plans were being examined.