Young People with SEN Face Limited Post-School Opportunities
Research indicates that some young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in Northern Ireland remain at home full-time after leaving school due to insufficient supported education or training options.
Stranmillis University College conducted a study focusing on the transition of young people with SEN from school to employment or training.
The research reveals that for every 91 young people with SEN leaving school in Northern Ireland, there is only one place available in supported education or training.
Professor Noel Purdy, who led the research, stated this situation leaves some families "at their wits end".
What Situation Do Families and Young People Face?
Sheenagh McCann’s 18-year-old son Joe, who is autistic, non-verbal, and has complex needs, is due to leave his special school in 2027.
"It's 24/7 care for Joe with my husband and I, we don't have any other children and there's just my husband and I who care for Joe," Sheenagh said.
Sheenagh described how Joe finds the summer holidays, when he is out of school, "really, really tough."
"We're usually on our hands and knees by the time September comes," she added.
While the school has been successful in facilitating outings for Joe to places such as parks or supermarkets, Sheenagh emphasized that getting him out of the house outside of school hours is a "huge, huge challenge."
She also praised Joe’s social worker for being very helpful but expressed concern about what the future holds.
'I'm at a Complete Loss'
Sheenagh highlighted the lack of available support for Joe after he leaves school.
"There is nothing actually for Joe when he leaves school," she said.
She explained that Joe is neither high-functioning nor moderately learning disabled, which excludes him from attending colleges without support.
"Joe might get two hours twice a week in an adult day centre. So what does he do? What does he do when school's over for him?"
Sheenagh noted that the support Joe has received since birth will cease when he turns 19.
"He just falls off the face of the planet and ends up back in a room in our house forever. I'm at a complete loss to know what to do next."
What Is the Situation for School Leavers Like Joe?
A Statement of SEN is a legal document that outlines the support a child should receive at school; however, this mandatory support ends when the child leaves school.
In England, an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) remains in place until a young person reaches 25 years of age, specifying the support SEN school leavers should receive.
In contrast, Northern Ireland does not have EHCPs.
Some parents have campaigned for legislative changes, but Health Minister Mike Nesbitt recently stated there is insufficient time before the next assembly elections in 2027 to amend the law.
'Current Provisions Are Patchy'
The recent research examined the main challenges, gaps, and barriers in the transition process for young people with SEN leaving school.
The findings are based on input from parents, carers, young people, school heads, and employment support organisations.
Professor Purdy said the study "provides a wider evidence base for those challenges and the barriers that these young people and their families face."
"We all know that there's more and more young people with Special Needs that are in our education system, who are therefore leaving our education system and seeking further training and employment and opportunities," he said.
"But we also know that the current provision is fragmented, it's patchy."
The final report concluded that available post-school opportunities fall substantially short of demand.
It identified a shortage of such opportunities across Northern Ireland, including in Warrenpoint, Newtownabbey, Belfast, Antrim, Carrickfergus, Bangor, Ballyclare, Cookstown, and Craigavon.
Professor Purdy noted the absence of a "one stop shop" for families to access information about post-school provisions, which has contributed to confusion and frustration.
"Parents are really at their wits end as they seek to navigate a very complex system," he said.
"Responsibility is fragmented as well between different government departments."
The report includes several recommendations, such as the need for legislative reform and the creation of a centralised database to provide families with information about available services in their area.
Professor Purdy emphasized the necessity for increased investment and coordinated efforts among government departments.
