Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker has called on the education minister to ensure children with special educational needs (SEN) are placed suitably and on time.

Speaking after it was revealed that the Department of Education informed schools that it will be a challenge to ensure sufficient SEN places this September, the party’s children and young people spokesperson said:

“Children with SEN must be placed suitably and on time this September, and the crises of previous years must not be repeated. 

“Sinn Féin have consistently called for an overhaul of the SEN system to ensure it meets the needs of children and families. 

“As we seek to transform services for these children and young people, we must ensure their voices and the voices of their families are listened to by decision makers. 

“The education minister and health minister must work together, alongside the other parties, to transform SEN services so that the needs of children and young people are properly met.”