To ask the Minister of Education for an update on ensuring special schools have adequate nursing provision to meet the medical needs of pupils.

I am committed to working with colleagues in Health and Education to ensure that all children with complex medical needs can be supported to access school and the curriculum through child specific care.

Officials from my Department and Department of Health, along with representatives from the Education Authority and the Public Health Agency (PHA), have commenced work to develop a new model of care in special schools that best meets the healthcare needs of these children.

This project is informed by the recommendations made in the PHA review of population health of children with complex medical needs attending special schools and it is intended that this work will determine the level of multi-agency resourcing required across professions, including nursing.

Engagement with children, parents and families and staff working in special schools including teachers and classroom assistants and staff from the Health Trusts will be a key element of this work.