Transformation of Special Educational Needs essential – Givan

Date published: 28 February 2024

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.”