AQW 23941/22-27
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 06/03/2025
Answered On Date: 19/03/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any plans his Department has to introduce mandatory continuous professional development programmes for all teachers focused on special educational needs.
Answer:
Investing in and supporting the teacher workforce is a key priority in my Department’s TransformED NI: Transforming Teaching and Learning strategy. This strategy aims to ensure high-quality professional development is provided throughout teachers’ careers. It is closely aligned with my recently published Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda and five-year Delivery Plan, which set out an ambitious programme for the transformation of services to support children and young people with SEN. To support SEN-related professional learning, the Education Authority (EA) provides a range of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities. While participation is not mandatory, my Department has facilitated attendance by providing financial support for substitute cover in schools. The EA also offers a wide range of SEN-focused resources, including CPD packs for school-wide use and online professional development programmes, accessible via its website. Additionally, the Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland provide ongoing SEN-related professional learning opportunities for teachers. I will consider further the approach to SEN-related professional development over coming months.
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