School Places for All Students with Special Educational Needs

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Education (a) whether there are enough Special Education schools (SPED) for all students with special educational needs; and (b) whether the Ministry will expand the list of eligible conditions for entry into SPED schools.

There are currently 24 Government-funded Special Education (SPED) schools that cater to different profiles of students with moderate-to-severe Special Educational Needs (SEN). By the 2030s, there will be 28 schools. The Ministry of Education regularly monitors the demand for SPED school places and works with the Social Service Agencies that run the schools to cater to the needs of different SPED profiles.

Not every child with SEN is best supported in a SPED school. For admission to SPED, a diagnosis of SEN provided through a psychological assessment by a qualified professional is required. In addition, a SPED school will consider the cognitive, psychological, social and physical needs of each child to determine whether the school is suitable for that child. The process is done in consultation with a panel of qualified professionals where necessary.