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Roz McFeeters, principal of Hill Croft special school in Newtownabbey, County Antrim told the Stormont's Education Committee the proposal that could remove nurses from some special schools "would not be sustainable".

Committee chairman Nick Mathison of Alliance expressed concerns about the "level of risk" if a special school lost its nurse.

Baris, whose 10-year-old goes to a special school, said he supported teachers' right to strike but he was concerned about school closures because it was "vital" for his son to attend full time.

About two-thirds of these schools were at or over capacity in 2023-2024, despite the number of special school places rising by 5,000.

This is the second year figures on special school capacity have been collected by the Dfe.