To ask the Minister of Education what rural proofing has been carried out for rural schools so pupils with Special Educational Needs will not be impacted adversely.

My officials sought clarification on the question and I understand that rural proofing was in regards to looking at special educational needs provision and the transport that is provided.

The statutory responsibility for securing provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) rests with schools, and the Education Authority (EA) which is responsible under legislation for identifying, assessing and making provision for children with SEN. Support for pupils with SEN is based on the individual needs of the child.

Where the Education Authority maintains a statement of special educational needs for a pupil, the decision about where a child is placed, including whether they should be provided with transport assistance will be considered as part of the statementing process.

Where a specific need for transport assistance is identified as part of this process, transport assistance will be provided. Where a specific need for transport is not identified as part of this process, or where a child does not have a statement of SEN, normal eligibility rules apply.

The SEN policy and legislative framework, supported by a statutory code of practice provides access to special educational provision and supports, in exactly the same way to children in rural areas as it does to those in urban areas.