T4. Ms Egan asked the Minister of Education, given that special schools are a lifeline for many children and summer schemes are a vital part of that, for an update on the funding for schemes in special schools for this summer. (AQT 444/22-27)

I thank the Member for raising the question, because I am aware of the need to provide clarity.

I am pleased to announce today that I will support the enhanced summer provision programme for special schools this year. I understand the importance of that provision for children and young people and their families. I thank school leaders and staff for their commitment to the delivery of those activities across the summer. I have asked officials to continue working with colleagues across Departments, local government and the voluntary and community sector to ensure that summer provision and out-of-school-hours activities are accessible to every child with special educational needs and disability.

Minister, some schools are already communicating with parents that those schemes will not go ahead. Can you confirm that you will be in contact with schools as soon as possible to confirm the funding and that the provision will continue over the summer?

I can confirm that that official confirmation will take place, but I have announced today that that is the case. Members will be aware of the significant financial challenges facing the Department of Education. We are on a projected overspend of £200 million this year. Difficult decisions will need to be taken, but I am determined that children with special educational needs should not bear the brunt of those difficult decisions. The scheme costs in the region of £655,000, and, this morning, I gave approval for that expenditure to be incurred.

As was pointed out, question 5 has been withdrawn.