SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
His comments follow reports from parents detailing their fight to secure adequate help and support for their children.
Said the Foyle MLA: “For years I’ve been highlighting how pupils with SEN have been repeatedly failed by the EA.
“I know first-hand from working with families, how distressing it is for parents and young people not to receive the support they need at school and the struggle to access help takes its toll.
“Reports that the EA has conceded the vast majority of appeals brought by parents of SEN children are damning and shows clearly that the current assessment process is utterly unfit for purpose.
“The SEN framework here is crying out for an overhaul and it’s been patently clear for a number of years that the current model is not fit for purpose.
“Unfortunately, it has been the case for many parents that the continued difficulty in obtaining fitting an appropriate Special Educational support, has been to the detriment of their child’s learning and development.
“We’ve heard many promises from EA to deliver much needed reform but sadly families haven’t seen much in terms of delivery.
“It is heart-breaking and hugely frustrating that children are struggling in a class of their peers without the additional support they require despite the best efforts of parents and indeed teaching staff.
“The EA have committed to transforming the way they deal with SEN and we will continue holding them accountable until we see tangible change that ensures no family is forced to take extensive action to secure the best educational experience for their child.”
