26/03/2026
Yet again, families of children with additional needs in Northern Ireland have been let down.
The decision not to run the summer schemes for children with special educational needs this year is more than just a cancelled programme — it is the removal of a lifeline. These schemes provide vital respite for families who care tirelessly every single day. They offer structure, routine, and familiarity for our young people — things we know are essential for their wellbeing.
They also provide something every child deserves: opportunities to socialise, build friendships, and feel included in their community. Without these supports over the long summer months, many children will face isolation, regression in skills, and increased anxiety. Families will face exhaustion, stress, and the feeling that the services they depend on are slowly being taken away.
This is not just about activities.
This is about dignity.
This is about support.
This is about recognising the reality of life for families of children with additional needs.
Our young people deserve consistency.
Our families deserve respite.
Our communities deserve better.
We cannot keep accepting the steady erosion of services for those who need them most. It’s time for decision-makers to listen to families and protect the supports that make daily life manageable.
Please stand with our children and families. Their voices matter. 💙
Ask the Education Authority to reverse decision on summer schemes in special needs schools
