Last week the Education Committee heard that approximately 160 children with SEN remained without a school place for the start of the next academic year. EA officials articulated that they had reached a stage where limited additional placements are available and they are considering the need for ministerial directions to schools.

Following Committee, Michelle tabled an Urgent Oral Question at the Assembly, calling the Minister to the Chamber to highlight how he would ensure that all children have an appropriate school placement for September 2025, and made a members’ statement on the issue this morning (1 July).

Mr Mathison has said: “We have consistently seen the Minister come to the Chamber to make statements and announcements on a whole range of issues, from magnetic phone pouches to key stage assessment arrangements. Yet when we are in a state of crisis he is nowhere to be seen.

“Parents have been left in limbo, with no assurances their children will be placed in time for September, and they deserve better than this uncertainty. The Minister’s lack of visibility on this isn’t acceptable.

“Alliance will continue advocating for our SEN families and applying all the pressure possible to ensure every young person in Northern Ireland receives the education they’re entitled to.”

Ms Guy added: “We have heard clearly from the EA of the almost impossible task they face of finding places for children in a system that currently has no additional places to offer.

“The Minister must take responsibility for this chaos and be open and transparent with parents. Making passing reference to the issue at the end of yesterday's sitting, during a debate on another topic, is profoundly disrespectful to the unplaced children and their parents.

“He must show leadership and clearly outline how he will ensure no child is without a school placement at the start of the next academic year, and how he will ensure this crisis is not repeated in the years ahead.”