Education Minister has today published a Policy
Statement on Special Educational Needs (SEN).
The statement provides a clear SEN policy position, outlines the
legislation that underpins it and defines the responsibilities of
key stakeholders across the education system. It aligns with the
Children and Young People's Strategy, the Programme for
Government and recent TransformED Strategy which aims to ensure
our education system is truly world leading, excellent,
equitable, inclusive and able to meet the needs of all children
and young people in an ever-changing world.
Welcoming the new Policy Statement, said: “The facts are clear:
nearly one in five pupils in Northern Ireland has been identified
as having a Special Educational Need. We must ensure our
services, staff and systems are equipped and empowered to deliver
effectively for the growing number of children requiring support
to thrive. Having a Statement which clearly sets out
legislative requirements and policy objectives, provides the
framework within which the effectiveness of current support
models can be assessed and, where appropriate, changed to better
meet the needs of children with SEN.
“Throughout the End to End Review of SEN, parents and many
stakeholders called for more clarity on the policy position on
SEN. This Policy Statement is about making the existing
framework, grounded in legislation, guided by the Code of
Practice and implemented across the education and health systems,
work more effectively and consistently for every child and
family.”
The SEN Policy Statement delivers on the commitment in the SEN
Reform Agenda to deliver clarity on the current policy and
legislation.
continued: “We are placing
children and young people at the centre of this work. Their
voices and their rights matter. We are committed to working in
partnership with families, educators, health professionals and
the wider community to ensure that every child with SEN can
access an education that is inclusive, ambitious and tailored to
their individual needs.”
The Minister concluded: “I want to thank everyone who contributed
to the development of this Policy Statement. It reflects our
shared commitment to inclusion, equity and excellence in
education.”
For more information on the SEN Policy Statement and SEN Reform
Agenda, please visit – https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/sen-reform-agenda.
Notes to editors:
1. The SEN Policy Statement should be read in conjunction with
the SEN Reform Agenda and five-year Delivery Plan published in
February 2025.
