Dear parents - the Department of Education has launched a Special Education Needs Framework Consultation - this is potentially the largest consultation ever launched by the Department of Education and it was last reviewed in 2005. The workload of assessing and commenting on the many sections is substantial and we are calling for this consultation to be delayed for at least one year so that the proposed SEN Framework can be discussed face to face in professional forums of school principals and therefore give them appropriate time to consult and consider the implications in full.
We need your help to delay this consultation as these changes will have massive implications on the children with additional needs, their families, the whole school community and the local community for many years.
We are attaching a brief response from parents (add your own comments if you wish) and ask that everyone email it to
sencodeconsultation@education-ni.gov.uk before 5PM ON TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021.
If you would like further information please see below:
This consultation is on the new Code of Practice which translates the new draft SEN law into clear and practical guidance for those involved in identifying and assessing children who have, or may have, SEN and for those who provide special educational provision for children with SEN. The new draft Regulations are subject to a separate consultation.
What Happens Next
The responses to this consultation will be analysed and a summary report of responses received will be made available on the Department’s website in due course.
Summary
The focus of this consultation is on the new Code of Practice. A full copy of the consultation document, all the Sections of the Code of Practice, Annexes and Glossary as well as other related documents including a summary guide for parents and young people and an easy read version for younger children are provided via https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-draft-sen-code-practice.
Responses should be submitted to arrive no later than 5pm on Tuesday 22 December 2020. EXTENDED UNTIL 5PM ON TUESDAY 2 MARCH 2021.
