'Transformational Change' Needed In NI's Special Education Provisions

An independent review of Northern Ireland's Special Education Needs (SEN) has outlined the "transformation change" needed to ensure every child is 'happy, learning and succeeding'.

The IPSOS review was commissioned by the Department of Education in April 2022 to look at current SEN services and provision with the aim of improving outcomes for children with SEN right across Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the new report, Permanent Secretary, Mark Browne said: "The transformation of SEN services is a key priority for the Department, the Education Authority, and the whole education sector to drive forward change and improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable children and young people.

"Children with special educational needs and disabilities deserve a high quality, child centred and cost-effective education which meets their individual needs."

Acknowledging the wide-ranging recommendations within the report Dr Browne continued: "This report indicates that systemic reform is critical to ensure the delivery of high quality, child-centred provision through earlier intervention, a highly skilled and trained workforce and pupil support services that are flexible, timely and responsive as children's needs emerge.

"There are a number of recommendations contained in this review, some of which will challenge how things are currently done, however I am confident that in collaboration with key partners we can drive forward change at pace to improve the lives of all children with special educational needs."

Following consideration of the report, the Department will publish a more detailed response to the findings and recommendations in due course.