AQW 23751/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 04/03/2025
Answered On Date: 10/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any processes in place to support young people with a statement of special educational needs as they transition out of school after 19 years of age.

Answer:

As part of the annual review of the young person’s statement of special educational needs, school leaders will create a transitions plan and update this every year from Year 10 in preparation for the young person leaving school. Stakeholders and services will along with the young person and parent/carer have the opportunity to contribute to this process.

Relevant stakeholders may include Health services, Careers Service, Educational Psychology and EA services as appropriate. Depending on the young person’s individual circumstances opportunities such as sampling, visits, and open days are identified to support or ascertain appropriate pathways.

Special Schools very often have transitions classes/programmes already in place, aimed towards preparing the young person in their final year for the move to their post school pathway/adult life.