MLA calls for transformation in SEN provision across district

MLA calls for transformation in SEN provision across district

18 December 2024

A LOCAL politician has called for a transformation in special educational needs provision across the constituency.

South Down MLA Cathy Mason – who is a member of Stormont’s Education Committee – recently met with a large group of local principals and Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) to discuss the critical issues facing the sector.

She said the meeting was arranged following widespread concern among school leaders in response to comments made by Department  of Education officials regarding the role of SENCOs.

In addition to this meeting, Mrs Mason has also spoken with parents of children placed in new Specialist Provision in Mainstream (SPIM) classes. 

“These parents shared their struggles and highlighted the constant battles they face just to secure an appropriate education for their children. The stories of these parents, combined with the insights from our principals and SENCOs, paint a deeply troubling picture of the current state of SEN provision,” she revealed.

“The challenges faced by children, families and educators in South Down highlight the urgent need for major transformation in how SEN services are delivered. Without swift and meaningful action, I am deeply worried about the future for these children and their families.”

During the recent meeting, school principals and SENCOs outlined the immense pressures schools face in trying to support children with additional needs.

“Delays in assessments and statements are creating an unacceptable backlog, leaving schools to manage complex needs without the necessary resources or specialist input. This is having a profound impact on teachers, children and families alike,” Mrs Mason explained.

“One of the most alarming aspects of a recent meeting with department officials was their response to questions around the role of SENCOs.

“SENCOs are the backbone of SEN provision in schools, yet they are often overworked, under-resourced and undervalued.

I felt outraged at the dismissive tone regarding the workload of SENCOs in the Department’s response, which only underscored the disconnect between those making the policies and those delivering the support on the ground.”

Mrs Mason said that without the work and dedication of school leaders, teachers and support staff, the SEN system would have collapsed years ago. 

“These professionals are keeping the system afloat despite limited resources and ever-increasing demands, but their goodwill and determination cannot be relied upon indefinitely.”

Mrs Mason said at the heart of this issue are children and families who rely on the SEN system. 

And she revealed parents across South Down are growing increasingly frustrated as they face lengthy delays, inadequate support and the emotional toll of navigating a system that seems designed to obstruct rather than assist.

“The struggles of parents I met with are particularly stark,” she said.

“One parent, whose child was placed in a new SPIM class, spoke of the sheer exhaustion caused by the constant battles—battles for assessments, statements, placements, and even for basic communication with officials.

“This is not an isolated experience. It reflects a wider failure in the system that forces families to fight for what should be a fundamental right: access to education.”

Mrs Mason said children with conditions such as autism, ADHD and other additional needs are left waiting for crucial interventions. 

She explained these delays not only hinder their progress in school, but also lead to long-term challenges with mental health and emotional well-being. 

“Schools are doing their best to fill the gaps, but the lack of support from the Education Authority and health services is leaving them overstretched and unable to meet demand,” she declared.

Mrs Mason said principals, SENCOs, and parents she met with were united in their call for urgent action. 

She said they were demanding increased funding, reform of the statementing process, support for SENCOs, support from health professionals and a Department of Education which listened.

Mrs Mason described her meeting with principals and SENCOs, in tandem with her conversations with parents as both “illuminating and alarming.”

She added: “Their insights highlight the scale of the challenges we face but also the clear path forward. Their voices will inform my continued work on the Education Committee as we scrutinise the Department of ’Education police and push for the resources our schools need.

“The Department must now step up and listen. Without urgent transformation, the futures of too many children in South Down will be compromised. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every family deserves to feel supported, not obstructed, by the education system. 

“The time for action is now.”