Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Review will inform the way forward

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, today published a summary report of the Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Review.
~ Tuesday, 31 January 2012

The publication of the summary report paves the way for the final Special Educational Needs policy to be developed.

Speaking today about the report, the Minister said: “I am acutely aware that we are dealing with a very sensitive and emotive issue, particularly for the families and loved ones of young children with special educational needs. I therefore welcome the opportunity to publish the summary report along with my proposals for a way forward. It is my wish that the educational needs of all children are met and that is why the outcome of this review is so important.

“I believe that the Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy will enable our special educational needs children to get the best deal going forward and I am conscious that we treat the families and young people with respect throughout the development of the policy. I want to improve the educational experience of children with SEN or a disability and ensure that all children and young people in our schools receive the support they need to enable them to reach their full potential.”

The Review was undertaken for a number of reasons including inconsistencies in provision; delays in assessment and provision; significant increases in children being recorded with special educational needs; increasing numbers of children with complex needs; rising costs; and greater pressures on parents, teachers, schools and support services.

In conclusion the Minister said: “My Department has carried out a thorough analysis of every response received and reported detailed responses in the summary report and its associated appendices. The challenge for me now, in this next phase of policy development, is to take account of the breadth of opinion and build on this in order to address the shortcomings in the present SEN framework.”

Notes to editors:

1. During the review period, the Department of Education (DE) received over 2,900 responses from a broad cross section of parents, groups and organisations. The responses received were diverse; representing differing experiences and perspectives on special needs provision.

The formal consultation on “Every School a Good School: The Way Forward for SEN and Inclusion” closed in January 2010.

Key SEN Statistics:

• School population is approximately 330,000 pupils.
• 64,900 pupils (19.7%) on SEN register of whom 60,500 (93%) are in mainstream schools & learning support centres.
• 13,900 pupils (4.2%) with a statement of SEN of whom 9,600 (69.4%) are in mainstream schools and learning support centres and 4,500 in 43 special schools.
• In 2010/11 around £210M was expended for provision to support pupils with SEN.

Key themes emerging from the Review:

• The overarching SEN framework should aim to raise standards for all children.
• There should be a focus on early identification, assessment and intervention at the point of need.
• Improved consistency of SEN provision is required.
• The framework should ensure a strong focus on individual outcomes for the SEN child.
• All schools should have the capacity to effectively support the delivery of the SEN framework.
• A range of provision including special schools, learning support centres and mainstream classes will be required to support the framework.
• Collaborative and multi-disciplinary working is to be encouraged.

2. The summary report can be accessed on the Department of Education website.

3. Watch video from the Department of Education on our YouTube channel.

4. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Communications Team on 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.