AQW 21289/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 24/01/2025
Answered On Date: 03/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 20410/22-27, (i) whether his programme of special educational needs (SEN) transformation and pending delivery plan will review the provisions in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, the supporting regulations and the code of practice; and (ii) for his assessment of whether the 2016 provisions, regulations and code of practice require updating to reflect his current SEN transformation agenda.

Answer:

The provisions laid out in the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, the supporting new draft Regulations and the Code of Practice are closely aligned with the changes which are fundamental to the delivery of my SEN Reform Agenda. These include strengthening the support available to children with SEN, encompassing the views of the child in all decisions which affect them, improving co-operation with Health and reducing bureaucracy for schools and the Education Authority (EA).

As the SEN Reform Agenda progresses, all relevant legislation will be considered to ensure that it continues to support the best outcomes for children and young people with SEN.