Transformation of Special Educational Needs essential – Givan

Education Minister Paul Givan has reaffirmed his commitment to transform the existing Special Educational Needs system in Northern Ireland.

Photo of Education Minister Paul Givan with Fleming Fulton Head Girl Mary O’Neill and HE teacher Catherine Foster.

The Minister has emphasised the need for a system that consistently delivers for children and young people with Special Educational Needs through the provision of high quality and cost-effective services.

The Minister said:

“I was humbled to visit Fleming Fulton Special School today to meet pupils and staff and to witness the selfless hard work and dedication shown to the children and young people who attend the school.

“It was truly inspirational to meet the pupils and to listen to their stories about the positive experiences in their school where they are happy, learning and succeeding despite the challenges of what continues to be an increasingly constrained budgetary situation.”

The Minister was speaking after a visit to Café 15 at Fleming Fulton Special School today where senior pupils run a small social enterprise for staff, parents and visitors twice a month offering seasonal menus developed and cooked by the pupils.

Paul Givan continued:

“Evidence shows that our children and young people with Special Educational Needs do not always enjoy the same educational experiences and outcomes as their peers. That is unacceptable.

“Children with Special Educational Needs and their parents deserve the same educational opportunities as any other child and family. My goal for children and young people with Special Educational Needs is a system where their needs are met with the right support from the right people at the right time and in the right place.

“I will work collectively with my colleagues around the Executive table to make the case for urgent additional investment to help deliver on this commitment.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department has been leading an End to End Review of Special Educational Needs, in collaboration with the Education Authority. The purpose of the review is to consider Special Educational Needs from policy intention through to operational delivery in schools and to bring forward an implementation plan to support transformation.
2. Follow us on Twitter @Education_ni
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk.

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