David Gordon

Did you know that no funding has been available for any form of proactive maintenance activities across the school estate for many years? Routine activity that prevents more expensive problems developing has therefore not been carried out. This has not been by choice - it is simply down to a lack of funding. Find out more in our Maintenance of the Schools Estate – Fact File: ow.ly/x7Jg50ZT5Zs

The Education Authority has prepared this fact file on the use of halal certified chicken in school dinners. This has been compiled to address concerns and counter misinformation that has been circulating on social media. We source fresh chicken through a NI supplier who buys the poultry from various countries, including NI, RoI, UK and international markets. During our engagement with suppliers, it was made clear to us that the quantities of chicken we require cannot be met solely through the supply of non-halal chicken. This is not unique to a single supplier - it is simply a reality of the current marketplace. Some of the chicken served in schools on any given day may therefore be halal certified. 🔗 Read our full fact-file: ow.ly/ULuR50ZKFyq

The Education Authority recognises the dedication and hard work required to meet the demand for SEN school places for the new school year. But it has warned that the limitations of the current approach to SEN provision will become increasingly clear. In contrast to previous years, all children with a statement of special educational needs starting nursery, Year 1 or Year 8 secured a school place ahead of the new school year. However, we must again warn that the current approach cannot properly or sustainably meet levels of need. Crucially, large-scale investment is urgently required to expand and enhance the special school estate. Alongside this, a significantly higher level of specialist SEN provision in mainstream schools is also needed. Read more: ow.ly/fOQV50ZIlNP

Following further engagement involving the Education Authority, the Department of Health and the Department of Education, the Department of Health has now been able to confirm that nursing support will be made available at each special school summer scheme site. This represents a workable solution that will enable special school summer schemes to be held this year. The overriding priority of everyone concerned remains the safety and well-being of children and young people, and EA will continue to work with special school principals to urgently prioritise planning for the summer schemes. Engagement will also continue on developing and embedding a robust and stable model for year-round health care provision for special schools.

The Education Authority has set out a planned new educational reform to enhance classroom support for children with special educational needs. The changes are aimed at delivering the best possible outcomes for our children and young people. Details of the Enhanced Support Model have been provided in an EA briefing paper. It is to be introduced in a phased process over a number of years, starting later this year. Read more : ow.ly/By7G50Yi9LY