§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what opportunity is available to parents of young people with moderate learning disabilities to comment on the Education and Library Board Transition Plan. [152234]
§ 14 Jane KennedyIn accordance with the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, an Education and Library Board is required to produce a Transition Plan at the first (and subsequent) Annual Review of the statement of Special Educational Needs following the young person's 1053Wth birthday. The Transition Plan draws together information from a variety of sources, including the young person, his/her parents, the school and any other professionals involved with the young person.
Parents of young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are routinely invited to transition planning meetings in schools to discuss key issues relating to the young person's SEN. Parents are invited to comment during the meeting and to contribute actively to the transition planning process.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how(a) parents and (b) others may appeal the provisions contained in the Education and Library Board Transition Plan. [152235]
§ Jane KennedyTransition Plans are reviewed and updated on an annual basis following the young person's statutory Annual Review of a Statement of Special Educational Needs. When Transition Plans are written there is every opportunity for parents, the young person and others to have their opinion noted and the Education and Library Board will endeavour to resolve any difficulties identified. Within existing legislation there is no provision for a formal appeal specifically of the Transition Plan. If, however, as a result of the Annual Review, the Education and Library Board amends the educational provision contained in the Statement of Special Educational Needs, the parent has the normal right of appeal to the SEN Tribunal, if he/she is in disagreement with the provision.