Minister announces new school plan for Knockevin

Minister announces new school plan for Knockevin

1 May 2024

THE green light has been given for a new Knockevin Special School. 

Education Minister Paul Givan announced yesterday that plans for a new Knockevin are to begin immediately.

It was one of a series of special education needs (SEN) measures announced by the minister in the Stormont Assembly.

Knockevin currently operates on three sites in Downpatrick, Castlewellan and Dundrum. Mr Givan’s announcement came just two weeks after he visited the school’s Downpatrick campus and was welcomed by South Down MP Chris Hazzard.

Mr Hazzard said the new school “will be transformational for local children with special educational needs in Downpatrick and right across South Down”.

“It is vital that this project is delivered and we work together to ensure our SEN system meets the needs of children and families.”

South Down SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said: “I could not be more delighted to hear from the minister that planning for a new build for Knockevin will begin immediately.

“I look forward to seeing this now progress at pace and the promising new chapter it will offer to those who avail of the Fantastic services at Knockevin Special School.”

South Down Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason described the news as “fantastic” and said she looked forward to seeing it delivered for the people of South Down.

The programme announced by Mr Givan will deliver up to eight new special schools in the province over the next 10 years.

As well as new builds, there will be an extensive refurbishment programme and accommodation for specialist classes in mainstream schools.

There will be an annual £5 million maintenance programme for the schools as well as £4 million in equipment grants.

Mr Givan said the announcement would change the lives of Northern Ireland’s most vulnerable children and their families.

“Today I am announcing the biggest step change to capital planning in education for a generation,”he told Assembly members.

“It is simply not good enough that many of our most vulnerable children are being educated in ageing facilities, too often without adequate equipment and resources. 

“Our special school staff, who work with our most vulnerable learners, need and deserve facilities that match their skills and expertise.”

“We are rightly proud to have wonderful special schools across Northern Ireland and we know the life-changing impacts that a successful special school has on pupils and their families,” he said.

“Our hopes and ambitions for our children with SEN should be the same as for any other child.”