§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what improvements have been made in enhancing educational provision for those aged 16 years and over with moderate learning disability in the Province. [187776]
§ Mr. GardinerPupils with moderate learning difficulties, whether placed in an ordinary school, a special unit or a special school, generally leave school at the statutory school leaving age. In a small number of cases and depending on their special educational needs, they may remain in school beyond statutory school leaving age. Parents have a general right of appeal to the SEN Tribunal if they disagree with the boards decision to cease to maintain a statement at any time.
1483WEducation and library boards (ELBs) are required, in conjunction with other relevant agencies, to draw up a transition plan for all pupils with statements of special educational needs (SENs) to set out appropriate post-school opportunities, including further education.
The Department of Education chairs an Inter-Departmental Working Group (IDG) that is looking at the transition of all young people with statements of special educational needs to adult life. The remit of this group does not extend to include consideration of post 16 educational provision in schools for MLD children, but rather to consider how to make strategic improvements in the transition process for young people with SENs on leaving school. The IDG is in the process of finalising an action plan, which will be produced in autumn 2004.
The educational and library boards' Regional Strategy Group for Special Education Needs has established a working party to look at the equality of provision post 16 for pupils in MLD schools across the five education and library boards. The group is considering a number of options and is working with the Department of Employment and Learning, who have responsibility for colleges of further education.
In addition the Department for Employment and Learning has put in place a range of initiatives and funding streams designed to promote access to post 16 provision by students with disabilities including those with moderate learning disabilities