The Education Authority in Northern Ireland cancelled summer schemes at special schools for this year. The authority cited the lack of on-site nursing cover required for children with complex health needs.

Claire Miller, mother of 14-year-old Danny with a severe learning disability, autism, ADHD and challenging behaviour, said families rely on the schemes for respite during the nine-week summer break. She stated her son needs high levels of structure and routine from school settings. Miller indicated the cancellation will create major difficulties for families over summer.

Fiona Forrest, mother of six-year-old Ted who is autistic, said last year's scheme gave her son five or six hours daily with familiar carers. She noted she planned to spend time with her other children during the scheme week, which is now not possible.

The Education Authority confirmed on Thursday that it had engaged with the Department of Health for months to secure nursing support. The department stated this week that on-site registered nurses at every site were unavailable.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt called the suspension very disappointing at a Stormont committee. He asked why schemes ran last year but not this year and said contingency plans are under review.

Department of Health Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar called the authority's decision highly regrettable. He said schemes operated safely in prior years without on-site nurses at all locations. Farrar noted community children's nurses provided training to classroom assistants in previous years. He indicated full on-site nursing would pull staff from frontline care.

The Education Authority expressed regret over the impact on children and parents. It called for province-wide year-round nurse-led provision in special schools to meet rising health needs.