AQW 50321/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education to detail any reforms planned to improve post-19 transitions for young people with special educational needs, given issues raised in the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report entitled, Disability and poverty in Northern Ireland.

Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 2 July 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
2 July 2026
Answer due by
21 July 2026
Answered
6 July 20264 days after tabling
Department
Department of Education
Priority question
No

Answer

Post 19 provision is the responsibility of the Minister for the Economy. My department is collaborating with colleagues from the Departments for the Economy, Health and Communities to ensure young people receive the support they need when transitioning from school to adult life.

Developing appropriate transitions support and pathways for post 16 and post 19 of young people with special educational needs (SEN) is a key priority within my SEN Reform Agenda. I am committed to strengthening this collaboration as officials continue to engage with departments, agencies and the voluntary and community sector to explore all opportunities to support learners with SEN as they leave education.

Official sources