Education Minister Paul Givan approved three major capital projects at special schools to advance to planning and design stages. The projects form part of the Special School Plan of Action.

Demand for specialist places grew over the past decade, with over 30,000 children having complex needs and a formal Statement of Special Educational Needs. Pupils attending special schools increased by 49%. Projections show need for over 6,000 additional places in the next ten years.

Givan stated that significant planning must start now through new builds, large-scale extensions, or second campuses to meet demand, given long lead times for infrastructure.

These three projects supplement ongoing new build schools at Sperrinview, Knockevin, a second campus for Ardnashee, a new special school in Dromore, and a 500-pupil special school in East Belfast.

The projects will progress to pre-tender design and planning. Construction depends on available funding. Givan called for SEN infrastructure investment as a cross-government priority to sustain progress.