19 May 2026
SDLP Opposition Education Spokesperson Cara Hunter MLA has welcomed Assembly support for an SDLP Opposition Day motion calling for urgent reform of post-19 provision for young people with special educational needs (SEN).
The SDLP motion called on the Executive to bring forward legislation guaranteeing clear legal entitlements and consistent, high-quality support for young people with SEN up to the age of 25.
Cara Hunter MLA said:
“For far too long families here have lived with the fear of what happens when their child leaves school and the support they depend on simply stops overnight. One day there’s structure, support and a clear routine in place for their child, and the next they’re being left to navigate a system that is fragmented, inconsistent and far too often simply not there when they need it most.
“We heard from parents ahead of this debate who are genuinely frightened about what the future looks like for their son or daughter once they leave school. After years of fighting to secure the right support, they’re suddenly being forced to start all over again. No family should feel abandoned at that stage, and no young person should be left isolated at home because the services they rely on disappear overnight.
“I also want to pay tribute to Alma White and everyone involved in Caleb’s Cause for the incredible work they have done in highlighting these failures and giving families a voice. Their campaigning has brought real attention to the challenges people are facing and helped push this issue firmly onto the political agenda.
“The reality is that we are falling behind other regions where clearer rights and stronger support already exist for young people with special educational needs after they leave school. Here in the North, families are still dealing with legislation and systems that are badly out of date. These young people have huge talent, ambition and potential. They deserve the chance to live full, meaningful and independent lives, with the right support in place to help them do that.
“This vote has to be more than just warm words in the Assembly chamber. The Executive now needs to act and bring forward legislation that gives families the certainty, dignity and support they deserve.”