AQW 200/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education (i) why pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs will not be notified of their post-primary school on 21 May 2022 along with other pupils; and (ii) what assessment has been made of the impact of this decision.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 18 May 2022
- Answered
- Written
- Priority
- Tabled
- 18 May 2022
- Answer due by
- 26 May 2022
- Answered
- 26 May 20228 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
The transfer process for Primary 7 children with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) is a statutory process managed entirely separately, to ensure that each child receives a suitable placement that will support and cater to their individual needs.
Education Authority (EA) SEN Link Officers work closely with schools, parents/carers and educational psychologists to review the individual needs of each child on a case by case basis and families are informed once a school placement has been finalised, rather than on a fixed date. The EA SEN Team is working hard to confirm places as quickly as possible.
No assessment has been made of the impact of this decision. Parents of children with a statement of SEN with any concerns are encouraged to contact their Link Officer directly or the SEN Helpline which is open Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm on 028 9598 5960. Further information is available on the EA website:
www.eani.org.uk/parents/special-educational-needs-sen/sen-contact-details