3. The purpose of the oversight visits was to assess the state of special schools and the implementation of inclusive education in these provinces. There was an additional need to give support to the provincial departments of education in identifying challenges and assisting in finding effective solutions to challenges being faced. The visits formed part of the Committee's oversight responsibility to monitor and support progress in the implementation of education priorities, particularly those linked to the improvement of quality basic education as Government's Priority Outcome 1. Improving access to and quality of education for learners who experience barriers to learning is a key aspect of these priorities.