To ask the Minister of Education (i) for an update on the progress of a sixth form for Killard House School, Donaghadee; (ii) what meetings have taken place to date; (iii) who in the Education Authority is managing the process; and (iv) whether the development stage will include an open consultation with parents of children already attending Killard House School or parents of children who have the potential to become students of Killard House Schools sixth form.

Responsibility for the planning of all grant-aided schools rests with the Education Authority (EA). The EA has advised that a meeting took place with representatives of the Board of Governors of Killard House and the principal on 15 April 2016. Officers from the Children and Young People's Services Directorate were in attendance.

Discussions took place regarding the area plan and the proposed recommendation within the area plan to progress towards 3-19 provision in special schools which would include Killard House. The Board of Governors was clear regarding the proposal timeframe for the action plan and recognised that this would, in time, require a development proposal. The statutory development proposal process involves widespread consultation.

Before publication, the Board of Governors, staff and parents of the school concerned must be consulted as well as other schools which may be affected by the proposal. Following publication, there is a statutory two month objection period, during which anyone may provide comments directly to my Department.

The draft area plan for special schools will be subject to public consultation in the autumn once I have approved it for publication.

A senior officer in the EA education and area planning office is leading the process, with input from the Children and Young People's Services Directorate.