The Department of Education in Northern Ireland has undertaken a major review of special education called Every school a good school: the way forward for special educational needs (SEN) and inclusion.
The National Autistic Society (NAS) Northern Ireland has a number of major concerns with some of the proposals within the consultation document. We are concerned that, under these new proposals, the needs of children with autism will not be adequately met. In particular the new proposals could mean that there will be:
- a vast reduction in the number of children qualifying for a co-ordinated support plan (CSP), which will replace statements
- a dilution in terms of legal redress under the new system
- less opportunity for parental involvement
- inconsistent provision across schools
- a lack of accountability
What we’ve done
The NAS has raised its concerns with various political representatives, including the chair of the education committee at the Northern Ireland Assembly. We held a consultation event for parents in order to inform our consultation response and have met with the Children’s Commissioner, the Department of Education, organisations from the voluntary sector and teachers unions in order to raise our concerns. The Department of Education is currently considering the consultation responses and will issue its proposals in the coming months.