To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions being taken to make the provision of education for special educational needs children (i) fit for purpose; and (ii) more accessible.

My Department and the Education Authority (EA) are implementing a programme of Special Educational Needs (SEN) reform which aims to improve outcomes for children and young people and to make provision more sustainable, inclusive and responsive.

The EA has advised that fit for purpose actions include implementation of the SEN Reform Agenda and Delivery Plan 2025–2030; the Graduated Response Framework to support earlier identification, assessment, planning and review of need; the development of Local IMPACT Teams and multidisciplinary support; reform and digitisation of statutory assessment processes to improve consistency, timeliness and transparency; work to enhance the model of support; workforce development and training for schools and specialist staff; and strategic planning to expand and better align special-school and specialist provision in mainstream schools with identified need. The Grounds Maintenance Capital Unit undertake works to ensure that schools are fit for purpose in respect of outdoor provision for pupils with SEN.

ii)

In terms of accessibility the reforms are designed to provide more support at an earlier stage and closer to a child’s school and community, reducing unnecessary barriers to specialist advice and intervention. The EA has advised that measures include wider access to consultation from educational psychology and specialist services; clearer pathways for schools and families; expansion and review of specialist provision, including early-years and mainstream-based provision.