Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker has welcomed the education minister’s statement on transforming education for children with special educational needs in the Assembly today.

The party’s children and young people spokesperson said:

“I welcome the education minister’s statement today on transforming education for children with special educational needs.  

“However, it is important that the minister further details his plans by urgently publishing the SEN Reform Agenda and Delivery Plan.

“I have long called for a SEN first approach to school placements, this would deliver real change in our school system and ensure SEN pupils are no longer placed last or going without being placed.

“Sinn Féin has consistently called for better planning to address the lack of special educational needs’ places, for improvements to the statementing process and for better support for each child and young person.

“We need to see proper cooperation between our health and education systems to ensure children and young people with special educational needs get the support they need and deserve.”