EA welcome Independent Review of Special Needs

Commenting on the Independent Review of Special Educational Needs Una Turbitt, Interim Director for Children and Young People’s Services, said:

“The transformation of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services is a key priority for EA and our partners. There is an absolute collective commitment to improve outcomes for children and young people through the delivery of high-quality, child centred and cost-effective services.

“We welcome the IPSOS report and will take time to study it carefully. We are encouraged that many of the findings are in keeping with previous reports as this aligns with much of the work already underway within the wider Transformation agenda.

“Delivering positive and lasting change remains our core focus. We are firmly committed to working in partnership with school and pre-school settings, parents, children and young people, partner agencies and advocacy groups, to create a system that works to deliver the right support at the right time for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. A key priority for us is restoring confidence in the system.

“The financial pressures are unprecedented but given the need for systemic change we are working closely with the Department of Education to consider our approach to transformation and how best to deliver actions to improve outcomes for our children more quickly.

“It is essential that there is a sustainable funding model for education that will allow us to invest in our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We want every child to be happy, learning and succeeding."