Education Minister Paul Givan and the Republic of Ireland's Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, have met to discuss ongoing cooperation aimed at improving educational outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

The discussions took place during a visit to the Middletown Centre for Autism, which was jointly established by both Departments in 2007. The Centre is dedicated to promoting excellence in the education of autistic children and young people.

The visit, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day, also provided an opportunity to highlight reforms already underway in Northern Ireland aimed at providing better support for children and young people with SEN.

Minister Givan emphasised the success of cross-border collaboration: "Middletown is an excellent example of working together to support the delivery of education services to offer the best opportunity for our children and young people to thrive. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the impact of this work, share learning and highlight work being taken forward under my department’s recently launched SEN Reform Agenda and five-year Delivery Plan, for which Middletown is a key delivery partner." He added that further cooperation could only enhance educational outcomes for students in both jurisdictions through the sharing of resources and the development of innovative solutions to support the educational needs of all. "I am grateful to the Middletown Centre for welcoming us to their facility and sharing their expertise," Minister Givan concluded.

Minister McEntee acknowledged the significant impact of the Middletown Centre: "I want to acknowledge the incredible work that the Middletown Centre for Autism has been doing over the years. Their contributions have not only transformed individual lives but have also made a significant impact on the lives of children across the island of Ireland."

She also highlighted the significance of the visit taking place on World Autism Awareness Day: "That our visit is taking place on World Autism Awareness Day provides us with an opportunity to reinforce how vital it is that we continue to work to improve the lives and outcomes of those with autism across the island. The Middletown Centre for Autism is a very strong example of joint North/South work and demonstrates what can be achieved by working together. I welcome the continued collaborative work being taken forward by both Education departments."

During a tour of the facility, the Ministers heard from Stephen Douthart, CEO, and senior staff at the Centre about their work in supporting families and providing training for parents and professionals across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The visit preceded a meeting of the Education Sector of the North South Ministerial Council, where further opportunities for joint cooperation between both Departments regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) were also noted, with the aim of developing, extending, and enhancing the transformation of services for children and young people with SEN.