SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has said that children with special educational needs (SEN) must get the educational support they need.

He was speaking after parents detailed their fight to get the proper help and support for their children.

West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said:

“For years we have been highlighting how pupils with SEN have been repeatedly failed by the EA. I know first-hand from working with them how distressing it is for parents and young people not to receive the support they need at school and the long struggle to get help takes a serious toll on many families.

“Reports that the EA has conceded the vast majority of appeals brought by parents of SEN children are damning and shows clearly that the current assessment process is utterly unfit for purpose. Having a child with SEN brings many unique challenges and we should not be forcing parents to fight to ensure that their child is getting the right support in school.

“It has been clear for some time that our education system needs to completely overhaul the way it deals with children with SEN. The current system is having a negative impact on the lives of thousands of children and their families and excuses and promises of reform mean little to those who are at the end of their tether as a result of this process.

“The EA have committed to transforming the way they deal with SEN and we will keep holding them accountable until we see real change that ensures no family is forced to take extensive action to secure the best educational experience for their child.”