Speaking following a briefing by Department officials at the Education Committee, Michelle Guy and Nick Mathison expressed frustrations and said that families have waited too long for change. 

Lagan Valley MLA, Ms Guy said: “The End-to-End Review has been ongoing since Spring 2023, and we were hoping to be briefed on a detailed action plan and timeline. However, we received no new information and have been left with more questions than answers.

“This review came from a significant number of substantial reports, including the Independent Review of Special Educational Needs Service and Processes, two NI Audit Office reports, a Public Accounts Committee report and the Independent Review of Education. All families, young people and education professionals understand the issues, the question is what fundamental actions are the Department going to take.

“Families and young people have made contact with us, expressing their profound disappointment that they are being asked to wait even longer to see a plan.” 

Strangford MLA, and Chair of the Education Committee, Mr Mathison added: “The Department has rightly acknowledged the lack of parental confidence in the system, it is therefore clear that families need to see change quickly.

“It is deeply concerning that we are still not sure if the review has been presented to the Education Minister, if the Health Department is fully engaged on all the actions it will be required to take or if the plan will be fully resourced.

“Michelle and I have written to the Education Minister seeking clarity on these fundamental questions. We want to work with the Education Minister and the Department to deliver meaningful reform, but too much time has gone by, we need a clear plan, and families need to see change.”