To ask the Minister of Education to detail any oversight arrangements in place to review decisions to establish new Specialist Provision in Mainstream classrooms by the Education Authority,

The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:

The EA has comprehensive oversight arrangements to review decisions regarding the establishment of new Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools

The EA maintains internal oversight through its Senior Leadership Team, ensuring that all proposals are subject to thorough scrutiny before progression. This provides an essential first layer of assurance that decisions are evidence-based and aligned with strategic priorities.

All specialist provision proposals undergo a consultation process over an eight week period, engaging with relevant stakeholders and published on the EA’s consultation page. This ensures that decisions reflect the needs of pupils, families, schools and local communities. EA continues to work with all stakeholders when considering proposals in accordance with the established Framework and Strategic and Operational Plans.

Following the consultation process, a consultation report is presented to the EA’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee for approval of Specialist Provisions. This committee-level governance ensures informed and transparent decision-making.

The EA provides a Statement of Assurance to DE confirming that appropriate consultation has taken place.

These arrangements collectively ensure that decisions address geographical, sectoral and linguistic inconsistencies whilst responding to growing demand for specialist provision places across the region.