To ask the Minister of Education what her Department is doing to address the staff shortages in Special Schools.

I am aware that all special schools are currently facing staffing pressures, due to a range of factors, including COVID-19.

My officials continue to meet regularly with the Special Schools Strategic Leadership Group and individual schools, to ensure that issues are considered and addressed where possible.

The Education Authority (EA) has adopted a collaborative approach to monitor and address the staffing challenges. Designated officers from both the EA Emergency Resourcing and the Special School Support Team continue to liaise with individual schools to ascertain the level of challenge and provide support, where required.

In relation to teaching staff shortages, schools have been provided with refined lists of available NISTR teachers by geographical area who have expressed an interest in and / or experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and / or complex needs.

The EA is also delivering a targeted approach for the availability of Classroom Assistants, a relief register has been refined with focus on appropriate qualifications and experience of working within children / young people with SEN. In addition there is also a relief register available for cleaning and facilities staff if required.

My key priority is ensuring that all schools remain open in the best interests of children / young people and that they remain safe. I have asked officials to keep me regularly updated in relation to this issue.