SEN

Conference:

a) notes;

1) the decreased SEND implementation funding made available to schools to support the proposed changes to the SEN Framework;

2) the dramatic increase in the establishment of specialist provision classes within mainstream schools (SPiMS);

3) the chronic underfunding and cuts to support services, adding an intolerable strain on school budgets and staffing resources;

4) that for SEND transformation to succeed there must be significant investment in training and support for schools;

b) calls on the Northern Ireland Committee of ICTU to;

1) lobby the NI Exec and Minister for Education to urgently fund the existing and future provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and to ensure that the changes currently being considered meet the needs of all children admitted to schools, particularly those with complex needs.

2) demand that the EA put in place appropriate mechanisms to ensure  SEN pupils can gain access to all services irrespective of their school placement or home address in a timely fashion.

3) campaign for appropriate funding and staff training to meet the needs of children with SEN within mainstream schools (SPiMS).