As reported by The Department of Education, £5 million in funding has been allocated to address pressing maintenance needs in Northern Ireland’s Special Schools, focusing on safety, students’ needs, and facility repairs.
The funding is ring-fenced for key maintenance in Special Schools including health and safety works, meeting children’s needs and repairs to buildings, grounds and other facilities.
Education Permanent Secretary Dr Mark Browne said: “This £5 million investment will make a real difference for our most vulnerable young people across Northern Ireland by helping to improve some of the pressing maintenance concerns in Special Schools.
“I have visited many Special Schools over the past year and officials meet regularly with the Special School Strategic Leadership Group. We have listened carefully to their concerns and are responding by providing additional funding to address significant maintenance issues.”
The EA Maintenance Service will be in contact with schools over the coming weeks to discuss their requirements.
Dr Browne continued: “The Department is facing an exceptionally difficult funding position given high construction price inflation, a static education budget and rising levels of need across the entire education estate. “The Department recognises the significant need in the Special School estate and will continue to make the case for additional investment.”
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