Education Minister Paul Givan has released a new framework designed to monitor the contribution of the Special Educational Needs/Disability (SEN/D) Reform Agenda towards improving outcomes for learners with Special Educational Needs or disabilities.

The SEN/D Reform Agenda Outcomes Framework 2025-2030 outlines four strategic outcomes to be achieved over the next five years, forming a core part of the wider SEN/D Reform Delivery Plan. The framework also introduces specific "population indicators" that will be used to assess ongoing progress and overall impact across the entire education system.

Welcoming the new framework, Minister Givan highlighted the growing demand within the education system. "In recent years, my Department has witnessed a significant rise in the number of children and young people with Special Educational Needs, as well as an increasing multiplicity of needs," he stated.

He emphasised the necessity for systemic change: "Reform of the education system is required to ensure it can flex to meet the changing needs of our learners and ensure they are supported to thrive."

The four strategic outcomes set out by the Minister aim to create specific conditions, focusing collaborative efforts within the SEN Reform Agenda. These outcomes seek to ensure:

• Children and young people with SEN/D experience the benefits of inclusion and have the same opportunities as their peers. • Parents and carers feel confident and assured in the SEN/D process.

• Educators are confident and capable of meeting needs.

• Services are child-centred, high-quality, timely, effective, and efficient.

The development of the framework was significantly informed by findings from the End to End (E2E) Review of SEN/D and more than 200 recommendations from various scrutiny reports. It represents a collaborative effort, developed closely with parents and carers, Community and Voluntary sector representatives, academics, practitioners, government departments, and Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs).

Minister Givan further explained: "The Outcomes Framework focuses on building a system where our children and young people get the right support, from the right people, at the right time and in the right place."

He believes that working towards these outcomes will "enhance the quality of education and support services, while strengthening trust and collaboration among educators, parents, and carers. This will enable children and young people with additional support needs to thrive in school, at home and in their local community."

The Minister concluded by expressing his anticipation for the coming years: "I look forward to the delivery of the SEN/D Reform Agenda over the coming years, to measuring our progress annually and communicating developments to all stakeholders."

For more information on the SEN/D Reform Agenda Outcomes Framework 2025-2030, you can visit the Department of Education website.