A primary school in West Belfast has opened a specialist facility for pupils with special educational needs. Christ the Redeemer Primary School in the Lagmore area opened the early years and foundation stage provision this week.
The Sunflower Room provides children from surrounding communities with a supportive learning environment to help them feel confident and happy in their educational journey.
The Education Authority (EA) facilitated extensive renovations ahead of the September 2025 intake to ensure high-quality accommodation and comprehensive staff training. This will enable the school to provide tailored support to pupils to meet their individual needs.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony, Principal Neil Watson said: "We have already enjoyed many special events with our Sunflower Room pupils as we support them to develop new skills. We are delighted to have been joined by the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People at the official opening as we celebrate our achievements and look positively to the future.
"The dedicated and nurturing staff of the Sunflower Room encourage children to learn, develop and grow in all aspects of life at their own pace. It was a missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle in our school make up and the room has enriched everyone's educational journey.
"Our mainstream pupils have embraced their Sunflower Room peers with open arms and are their biggest champions. We would like to take this opportunity to thank both our team and our education partners; their support has been imperative to bring our vision to life."
It comes amid a significant rise in the number of pupils in Northern Ir eland with a statement of special educational needs over the last six years. Since 2020, 480 additional Specialist Provision in Mainstream (SPiMS) classes in over 190 schools have been set up, providing quality educational experiences for pupils with special educational needs.
An additional 140 classes have also been established over the last three academic years in Special Schools, including eight dual campus sites all of which are now operational.
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, who officially opened the new facility, said: "It was a privilege to be invited to Christ the Redeemer Primary School to officially open their Sunflower Room. The remarkable dedication and hard work of both the school staff and pupils was evident from the moment I arrived.
"Ensuring that children with special educational needs and disability receive the support they deserve throughout their entire educational journey is essential; it is their fundamental right, and our office works tirelessly to uphold this.
"I am pleased to see the SEND reform plan published by the Minister over the last couple of months, but it is crucial that we continue to see tangible actions and practical solutions that provide high-quality, inclusive education for all pupils.
"As with any school visit, the highlight was engaging with the pupils. It was wonderful to see so many happy children enjoying the school's facilities."
Peter Canavan, EA Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Placements Programme Director, commented: "The EA remains committed to ensuring that all children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities get the right support from the right people, at the right time and in the right place.
"It was a privilege to join with the Commissioner, Principal, staff and wider school community at the opening of the Sunflower Room. It was a real pleasure to see first-hand how the children have flourished as they are educated alongside their mainstream peers. In addition, how the specialist provision has enhanced the learning experiences of all children within the school."
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