AQW 41880/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 06/02/2015
Answered On Date: 17/02/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for his assessment of the Aiming High Programme in England; and whether he would consider a similar programme in order to transform services for children with a disability in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

The Aiming High for Disabled Children: Better Support for Families Report, published in 2007, tries to address the needs of disabled children and their families specifically within the English system. The report spans the responsibilities of a number of government departments and local government bodies.

In relation to my responsibilities for supporting the education of pupils with a disability here, I am content that an inclusive environment is promoted in all school settings to ensure that all pupils are valued. The learning needs of a pupil with special educational needs and a disability are addressed through the special educational needs framework and discrimination against pupils on the grounds of disability is prohibited within the Special Educational Needs and Disability (NI) Order 2005 (SENDO). School buildings are also required to be disability compliant as part of SENDO.