Cyprus cabinet approves reform bill for special education

The Cyprus Council of Ministers officially approved a landmark bill on September 30, 2026, aimed at modernizing the national special education system. The new legislation replaces the outdated 1999 law, marking the first significant change in 27 years to address chronic administrative and systemic issues. President Nikos Christodoulides announced the reform, highlighting a shift toward a more child-centric approach that prioritizes individualized support for students with disabilities and those requiring additional assistance.

Key provisions of the reform include the strengthening of parental roles, more transparent evaluation procedures, and the formal right to a graduation certificate for students attending mainstream schools. Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou characterized the reform as an emblematic step toward inclusive education, emphasizing that the new framework focuses on early diagnosis, continuous assessment, and better scheduling. The legislation aims to streamline administrative processes to benefit students, families, and educators who have long faced difficulties under the previous regime.

The bill will now proceed to the Parliament for review and final legislative adoption. The government's broader initiative seeks to modernize state institutions and improve overall educational accessibility across the country.