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14/09/2021
Education Minister Announces Major Investment In Special Schools
Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen has announced an £800,000 investment for outdoor play and learning support for NI's special schools.
The funding will support the delivery of high quality creative and innovative play and learning experiences for all children and young people in special schools.
Minister McIlveen announced the new programme at Longstone Special School in Dundonald: "The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the education of our special school pupils and has impacted on their learning, communication and mental health.
"This significant investment of £800,000 will enable special schools to encourage and promote physical play and provide additional support in these important areas."
Developed in consultation with school leaders and representatives of the education sector, the programme is designed to increase opportunities for physical play and to support the social and behavioural development of pupils.
The Minister continued: "This Outdoor Play and Learning Programme will be rolled out to all 39 special schools.
"It represents an important opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our most vulnerable children and young people who have been the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic."
The funding will support the delivery of high quality creative and innovative play and learning experiences for all children and young people in special schools.
Minister McIlveen announced the new programme at Longstone Special School in Dundonald: "The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the education of our special school pupils and has impacted on their learning, communication and mental health.
"This significant investment of £800,000 will enable special schools to encourage and promote physical play and provide additional support in these important areas."
Developed in consultation with school leaders and representatives of the education sector, the programme is designed to increase opportunities for physical play and to support the social and behavioural development of pupils.
The Minister continued: "This Outdoor Play and Learning Programme will be rolled out to all 39 special schools.
"It represents an important opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our most vulnerable children and young people who have been the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
