They were speaking after the Education Authority (EA) confirmed over 160 children with special educational needs are still awaiting confirmation of a suitable school place ahead of next year.

Ms Guy said: "This school year is coming to a close and yet the EA still has yet to find over 160 schools places for children with SEN. That is over 160 young people that have a right to an education and over 160 families who will be in complete turmoil. If that isn't a crisis situation, I don't know what is.

"The Education Minister needs to do all he can to ensure every child is given an appropriate school place which meets their needs. This crisis clearly demonstrates a complete breakdown of trust between schools and parents, and the EA and Department. It’s imperative the Minister acts to urgently rebuild that trust."

Mr Mathison, who also chairs Stormont’s Education Committee, added: "It’s depressing the EA and the Department are once again in the same crisis situation they have been in year after year. While we welcomed the Minister bringing forward a long-delayed SEN reform agenda, it is clear that plan hasn't yet had any impact on the ground for families, children and schools.

"My focus now is on establishing what actions are being taken by the EA, and more importantly the Minister, to address this deeply unfair double standard. We are a matter of days away from the end of the school year, so investment and support must be urgently supplied to schools now to ensure they can provide some of our most vulnerable children with school places that meet their needs."