Ministers explore opportunities to further enhance cooperation during visit to Middletown Centre for Autism

Date published: 2 April 2025

Discussions were held during a visit to Middletown Centre for Autism, which was jointly established by both Departments in 2007 to support the promotion of excellence in the education of autistic children and young people.

Taking place on World Autism Awareness Day, today’s visit also offered an opportunity to highlight reform already underway aimed at offering better support to children and young people with Special Educational Needs in Northern Ireland.

Minister Givan said: “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.

“Further cooperation can only improve educational outcomes for students across both jurisdictions through sharing of resources and 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 McEntee said: “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.

“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.”

The Ministers heard from Stephen Douthart, CEO and senior staff at the Centre about the work of Middletown to support families and provide training for parents and professionals across both jurisdictions during a tour of the facility.

The visit took place ahead of a meeting of the Education Sector of the North South Ministerial Council meeting, which also noted further opportunities for joint co-operation by both Departments in relation to Special Educational Needs (SEN) to develop, extend and enhance the transformation of services to support children and young people with SEN.