Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker has called on the Education Minister to prioritise funding for programmes which support the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

The party’s spokesperson for children and young people said:

“The Belfast wide early years pilot programme plays an invaluable role providing early intervention and supporting the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

“This is key to children with special educational needs (SEN) being able to access educational psychology services, speech and language and occupational therapy.

“Given the positive impact of the pilot programme, the Education Minister initially agreed to provide funding for an additional year.  

“On this basis, programme partners planned ahead and allocated places for children who are due to start in September.

“However, the Department of Education has since indicated that there is uncertainty around this funding which is a major concern for the organisations, children and families affected.

“I am calling on the Education Minister to engage with the organisations impacted and use his budget allocation to priortise support for the most disadvantaged vulnerable children and young people, including the Belfast wide early years pilot programme.”