Calls for reform as it emerges Newry, Mourne and Down is 'key pressure area' for SEN places
There have been calls for structural reform after it emerged that Newry, Mourne and Down has been classed as ‘a key pressure area’ for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) receiving class places.
South Down MLA Andrew McMurray said that changes are necessary in order to avoid annual SEN placement stress for children and families.
The Education Authority (EA) says it is committed to ensuring all children and young people with a statement of SEN receive a placement which meets their individual needs, and this remains their top priority.
Mr McMurray was speaking after attending a briefing by the EA.
He said: “Since taking up my role as an MLA the issue of SEN provision within our education system has been raised with both myself and my constituency office. It is a matter that needs to be addressed in order to ensure the educational needs of all children are fully met.
“For children not to have confirmation of where they are to be attending school is unacceptable.
“Many parents and teachers are concerned about how the educational needs of many children are being addressed. Our special schools have been over-capacity and under-resourced for far too long and this is leaving children without the quality education and support they need to achieve their full potential.
“I welcome the support services the EA is offering to families via the SEN Helpdesk, SEN Link Officers, and Family Support Officers, but unfortunately these services are under-resourced and a short-term solution.
“I call on the Education Minister to prioritise reform and investment in this important sector, as we are failing these young people and depriving them of the education every child should have by right.”
His Alliance party colleague, Cllr Jill Truesdale added: “Wider structural changes within the education system are needed to fully meet the educational needs of all our children. This should start with the training of teachers to ensure that every teacher is a SEN teacher.
“It's good that the EA is in discussions with the Economy and Education Departments. However, to avoid the annual crisis for pupils and parents and ensure that all children's educational needs are fully met, progress is necessary. Cross-departmental cooperation between the Departments of Health and Education should also be developed to better anticipate children's needs and help their future learning."
A spokesperson for the EA said there had been “significant efforts” made by across the education sector to provide additional appropriate places, reflective of pupils’ needs.
“Over the three-year period 2021-2023, EA has created an additional 4,000 places across both special schools and specialist provisions in mainstream schools. For September 2024, we are establishing more than 1,450 new and additional places for children across both special schools and specialist provisions in mainstream schools.
“We fully understand that this is an anxious time for families and, as part of our commitment to ensuring families have support and information, all parents/carers of children without a school place were recently updated with details of their dedicated Family Support Link Officer who will be providing personalised support until a placement is confirmed. A series of drop-in sessions have also been arranged over the summer months for parents/carers to meet with SEN Link Officers to discuss their child’s individual circumstances.”