NI Summer Schemes for Vulnerable Kids Cancelled

0:00On March 26, special school summer schemes in Northern Ireland have been canceled, leaving more than 5,000 children without planned holiday activities. The Education Authority made the call after the Department of Health pulled nursing support for the roughly 30 schemes, citing safety concerns as, The only reason, the authority had pushed for months to secure onsite nurses, but got a firm know this week. They say it's deeply regrettable and understand the distress for kids and parents, especially with school breaks stretching two months without structure. Families and politicians are furious, calling it a lifeline loss for vulnerable children with complex needs. At the Assembly's Health Committee, lawmakers describe parents as, spitting fire and demanded the schemes go ahead despite cutbacks. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt admitted disappointment and revealed officials are exploring contingency plans to field a gap. He pointed to issues like unclear qualifications for some education staff, sparking blame between health and education departments.

1:01Lawmakers from all sides are pressing for a quick fix, while the authority vows to keep working toward year-round nurse coverage to protect these kids. Long-term