Ulster Unionist Party Education spokesperson, Robbie Butler MLA, has welcomed the NI Audit Office`s report into how the Education Authority provided support for children with Special Educational Needs, as welcome and timely.
Mr Butler said:
“The recent report by the NI Audit Office on Special Education Needs (SEN) and the need for a substantial review is welcome and timely. The prevalence of SEN in Northern Ireland has historically not been matched by the provision of support, resources and policy to enable schools to meet the additional educational requirements of many pupils.
“I have consistently been frustrated by the barriers that existed within areas of both the Department and the Education Authority, which were exacerbated by the absence of government and ministerial leadership for three years. This has led to a failure to adequately statement and resource SEN pupils and further neglected the rights of children and families to vital interventions.
“The ongoing work of the Education Authority under the direction of the recently appointed CEO Sarah Long, in regard to tackling the historic wreckage of a neglected sector, is something I am very vigilant to and I will work with my Education Committee colleagues to ensure no stone is left unturned in pursuit of a full turn around for the sake of some of our most vulnerable children.”