Mr Mathison, who is also Chair of Stormont’s Education Committee, has said: “This report is a helpful starting point to begin the much-needed work of transforming our education system.

"We welcome the commitment to prioritising the transformation of SEN services, and also to tackling educational underachievement. We are also keen to see the legislation coming forward to raise the age of educational participation in education to 18. Alliance will support these steps to deliver meaningful reform and transformation of our system - it is vital this work starts now.

“However, we are disappointed to learn what the Minister has chosen not to do. There is no plan to tackle the system of academic selection which builds inequality into our post-primary education, no clear plan across a range of recommendations to engage with the Ministers of Health and Economy, and a distinct lack of new thinking on growing integrated education or indeed any other means of educating children together.”

Ms Guy added: “The IRE provided wide-ranging recommendations that, if fully implemented, would fundamentally change our education system.

"Given the challenges we are facing, not least in early years and SEN, fundamental change is what is needed. However, in some areas the Education Minister has opted for watered-down actions. For example, there was no mention of a new Early Childhood Partnership Board to lead on early years services such as Sure Start.

"Yes, such fundamental change will take investment. But it also takes bold leadership from the Minister to be prepared to tackle all the big issues, not just those seen as quick, easy or popular.

"Alliance is ready to work with the Minister to do what is necessary to help transform our education system."