AQW 16359/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 08/10/2024
Answered On Date: 15/10/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether his Department is carrying out any analysis to ensure that there is consistency of provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities in all further education colleges.

Answer:

My Department currently provides £4.5 million per annum to the Further Education colleges to help provide the necessary additional technical and/or personal support required to allow students with special educational needs or disabilities to participate in mainstream further education courses, or in discrete programmes. Provision of this support is determined by Colleges. It is based on the individual needs of the learner and is demand-led.

My Department is currently undertaking a review of student support within further education, including provisions for those with special educational need and disabilities, to ensure that funding is being targeted equitably and at those most in need.

In addition, as you are aware, I have commissioned a review from officials on the existing skills and training provision for young people with special educational needs, including the legislative protections. I want every young person to have the opportunity to access opportunities and fulfil their potential.

The work is complex and involves many different stakeholders and issues so it will take time. My officials are currently working through the planning and scoping activity and liaising with a range of interested parties to get their insights and thoughts to help with shaping the work.