AQW 27856/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 29/05/2025
Answered On Date: 04/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) for an update on the development of policy related to post-19 special educational needs provision; and (ii) to outline what work will be undertaken by the UK Research and Innovation policy fellowship, hosted by her Department in relation to this policy area.

Answer:

My officials have recently submitted a detailed report to me following their extensive review into the education, skills and training provision, and associated legislative protections, for school leavers with special educational needs. I am currently considering the findings and intend to make a Statement to the Assembly later this month on the next steps.

The Fellowship application process closes in mid-July and the 18-month role commences next February. It involves an initial inception phase, during which time the successful fellow will codesign the scope of the work in collaboration with my Departmental officials. We anticipate this involving research using the novel Longitudinal Education Outcomes for Northern Ireland (LEO NI) and expert longitudinal analysis on the barriers faced by school leavers with Special Educational Needs and the education pathways taken into training, further and higher education.