Committee Welcomes Further Extension to Special Educational Needs Consultation

The Committee for Education at the Northern Ireland Assembly has welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Education to further extend the consultation on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Inclusion Review.

Committee Chairperson, Mervyn Storey MLA, said: “The Committee’s evidence sessions have highlighted a huge level of parental and professional concern with the Department of Education’s proposals for SEN. The Committee had already requested the Minister extend the deadline for responses, which she duly did. In light of the volume of concerns, the Committee raised the issue of a further extension and welcomes the Minister’s decision to extend the consultation period to the end of January 2010.

“The Committee hopes that this indicates a willingness by the Minister to take on board the concerns of parents and professionals living and working with children with Special Educational Needs."

The Committee this week agreed to host an event at Parliament Buildings in January 2010 to provide an opportunity for parents, pupils and professionals working in this area to discuss the Department’s proposals for SEN & Inclusion. The Committee will invite officials from the Department of Education to hear the concerns being raised by those whom the changes will affect.

ENDS