To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department is responsible for the provision of specialist equipment in special education schools in order to meet the needs of children and young people with advanced learning disabilities.

Specialist equipment for children with special educational needs (SEN) is provided either by the Education Authority (EA) or the local Health and Social Care Trust (H&SCT).

Through the statutory assessment process, and where there is evidence of need, the EA is responsible for the provision of specialist equipment for pupils with SEN whether in a mainstream or a special school. This includes equipment that a child needs in order to access their education, such as specialist seating; desks; hoists and toileting aids; adapted equipment and utensils to enable the development of play, independence, practical self-help skills and curriculum engagement.

The local H&SCT is responsible for providing pupils with specialist equipment to deliver therapy e.g. standing frames; sensory equipment; medical equipment to administer delegated nursing care, such as oxygen tanks and equipment to support mobility, such as walking aids, braces and wheelchairs.