Publications

Response to the Consultation on the Special Educational Needs & DisabilityBill

The Northern Ireland Commission pursuant to Section 69 (1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice relating to the protection of Human Rights. In accordance with this function the following statutory advice is submitted in response to the Committee for Education’s consultation on the proposed Special Educational Needs and Disability Bill.

The Commission welcomes a number of provisions in the bill that seek to improve access to individualised support for children with special educational needs or disabilities while also highlighting the role that secondary legislation will play in determining the nature of that support. The Commission notes the positive intention to provide better access to appeal rights for children and to ensure that they can express their views.