A new £300k hydrotherapy pool at Fleming Fulton School in Belfast has officially been opened by Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan.

The pool has been redeveloped to allow a range of therapy sessions to be provided for pupils aged 3–19 years to meet their specific needs within the school setting.

The project involved a complete retrofit of the pool, reducing the height of the existing pool walls and installing a new water treatment system and air handling system. The pool area and facilities were also retrofitted, removing skylights and walls to improve function and thermal properties.

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Paul Givan said: "I am pleased to officially open this facility that will enhance the daily lives of all who use it, now and into the future. This redeveloped pool will help meet the needs of the children and young people in an environment that is both visually stimulating and calming.

“I am grateful to the Education Authority for their role in bringing this project to completion. I also want to pay tribute to the incredible dedication of staff who work tirelessly to ensure pupils have the best educational experiences they can provide."

Meanwhile, Fleming Fulton Principal, Karen Hancock added: "Hydrotherapy offers incredible benefits for all children including those with disabilities. The buoyancy of the water allows for movements that may not be possible on land, reducing pressure on joints and muscles while encouraging strength, promoting muscle relaxation, flexibility and coordination."