AQW 16605/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 19/03/2021
Answered On Date: 29/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 15819/17-22, (i) whether the planned strategic area plan for special schools and specialist provision in mainstream, and any accompanying improvements, will be completed in time to help pupils in the 2021-22 school year who have so far been unable to get a place at the school closest to their home; and (ii) what interim measures he is considering to help these pupils.

Answer:

As noted in AQW 15819/17-22, the Education Authority (EA) is currently consulting on two draft frameworks which set out the vision, rationale and delivery plans for special educational needs (SEN) provision in special and mainstream schools across Northern Ireland. Both consultations close on 12 April 2021.

In parallel the EA on behalf of the Department, is consulting on a pilot proposal to develop, test and agree a new process that will facilitate the establishment, closure or change of specialist provision in (sustainable) mainstream schools in an efficient and expedient manner without the requirement for a Development Proposal, but consistent with the EA’s Draft Framework for Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools. The EA are expected to submit consultation reports and amended Frameworks to the EA Board and the Department for my approval and endorsement if appropriate, in July 2021.

Work continues with the EA’s Special Educational Needs Strategic Development Programme (SDP) to identify and address potential pressures for school places for children with a statement of SEN by September 2021. The EA is actively engaging with schools, both special schools and specialist provision in mainstream, to identify physical capacity to accommodate additional resource provision, especially within particular geographical areas.

Departmental officials are attending regular EA cross-service group meetings with EA Directors to monitor progress on placements for September 2021. This work is also monitored by the SEN Governance Group chaired by the Permanent Secretary.