Motion

Motion TitleRevised Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Framework

Motion TextThat this Assembly notes the significant intervention, by way of an open letter published by the Children’s Law Centre on 22 April 2026 and endorsed by a broad coalition of trade unions and children’s charities and organisations, which calls for the immediate halt of the implementation of the revised special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) framework; further notes the Centre’s assessment that the reforms are heading in the wrong direction, risk repeating past failures, and are potentially unlawful; expresses serious concern that the proposed changes, including the Enhanced Support Model, may dilute statutory protections, shift legal responsibilities from the Education Authority to schools and place further pressure on a system that is already unable to meet existing need; recognises the need to ensure that any reform is rights-based and capable of meeting the needs of children and families; and calls on the Minister of Education to pause the current implementation process, engage meaningfully with the Children’s Law Centre and other key organisations and bring forward revised proposals that comply with the law and deliver for children with SEND.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office30/04/2026