Impact Review of Special Educational Needs

In June 2017, the Comptroller and Auditor General published a report on Special Educational Needs (SEN).  The report highlighted that the number of children with SEN and the associated costs were continuing to rise.  Whilst the educational achievements of children with SEN were improving, there had been no strategic evaluation of the support provided to these children to ensure the best possible outcomes.  The report also highlighted inconsistencies in the identification of children with SEN and unacceptable delays in the statementing process. 

The report made 10 recommendations and concluded that neither the Department nor the Education Authority (EA) could demonstrate value for money in terms of economy, efficiency or effectiveness in the provision of support to children with SEN in mainstream schools.  Today's Impact Review of Special Educational Needs presents the findings of our impact review.