Unlike England, Northern Ireland has no legislation in place to protect post-19 special educational needs (SEN) pupils. In Northern Ireland, a statement of educational needs stops at 19 years and there is nothing to replace it. However in England, when a young person reaches 19 years they are entitled to an Education Health and Care (EHCP) Plan which is put in place until they are 25 (under the Children and Families Act 2014, which was extended). This specifies the support needed and the outcomes the young person would like to achieve. In England, a young person can express a preference for a specialist Further Education College, which is then stated in their EHC plan.

The most recent independent review of education published in Dec 2023 clearly states that no change is likely to happen unless legislation is put in place, hence why we in Northern Ireland desperately need this as a matter of urgency. Post-19 provision is very limited, and without legislation we face a very steep cliff-edge drop in opportunities for our young people with disabilities once they leave school. Mainstream pupils have access to university and further education courses, depending on their preference and academic ability. My daughters have a range of subjects to choose from and a pathway to a bright and successful career. Sadly the most vulnerable in society, like my son Caleb, have very few options for further education and work. Wonderful charities such as Orchardville, NOW and Stepping Stones try to fill the gap, but unfortunately they can't meet demand, and this is only going to get worse as the years go on and the number of young people with needs increases. BBC NI recently published an article stating how many school places are still needed for next year in SEN departments, and it shows again how demand far outweighs options. SEN is indeed in crisis. My son Caleb has communication and complex needs. He needs full support in any environment, but we have seen how much he can achieve when the right support is in place. Caleb needs legislation to protect his future and the future of his friends. Why shouldn't young people with SEN have the same rights to an education as other mainstream pupils beyond the age of 19? England has legislation that gives young people access to work, college and apprenticeships. In Northern Ireland there is no such obligation to provide education from 19-25 years. Parents are often left to search alone for appropriate provision that simply doesn't exist. I am asking you to please help Caleb and his peers have a voice through signing this petition! You can help us make a massive difference to the lives of so many young adults with a disability. Now more than ever we need to act. This needs to come into force so that young SEN school leavers have every opportunity to fulfil their potential, have equality recognised and not be discriminated against. I am Caleb's mum and I will keep fighting for Caleb and every other young person who has a right to Further Education. Please sign and share! Thank you for reading.