Givan Unveils Ambitious SEN Reform Agenda

Education Minister Paul Givan has published the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda and a five-year Delivery Plan, outlining an ambitious programme of reform to improve support for children and young people with SEN.

The reform agenda follows the Minister's recent announcement in the Assembly and sets out a series of actions aimed at ensuring that children and young people with SEN can benefit from greater inclusion and receive the right support at the right time.

"This is the most ambitious programme of SEN reform in a generation," said Minister Givan. "The SEN Reform Agenda and five-year Delivery Plan set out the actions that are needed to ensure that children and young people with SEN can benefit from greater inclusion and receive the right support from the right people at the right time and in the right place." The Minister emphasised the need for urgent action. "We know that our children cannot wait, and that change is needed now," he said. "With that in mind, the Delivery Plan sets out short-term actions which are intended to rebuild confidence and trust with parents, build capability across the workforce, improve the approach to placements, focus on child-centred communications and a more child-centred approach to support." 

The Minister acknowledged that SEN transformation is a key priority for the Executive and that it will require sustained funding. "I am committed to driving forward this agenda during this mandate," he said. 

The SEN Reform Agenda will be supported by a clear, measurable, and co-designed outcomes framework to monitor progress and ensure that the reforms deliver better outcomes for children and young people with SEN.

The SEN Reform Agenda and five-year Delivery Plan can be accessed on the DE Website at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/sen-reform-agenda.