'Fed up' Stormont protesters regarding absence of special education services

A mother whose child has special educational needs (SEN) explained that she "feels like a prisoner" at home because she cannot get her son into daycare.

Suzy Ward was part of around 50 individuals, comprising parents and children, who protested outside Stormont Buildings on Monday morning regarding what they state is an absence of support and services.

The protest comes on the day that assembly members return to Stormont after the summer break.

Suzy Ward explained to BBC News NI her son Eoyn is home full-time now, stating it means she does not "get a break" and is "constantly on the go".

"I feel very much that we need opportunities and respite and support," Ms Ward stated.

"It's so hard. There's days when we are both at home and I feel like a prisoner."

Education Minister Paul Givan said he was aware of the "real challenges" in the sector.

But he indicated that he plans to set up a "flagship" capital programme for the SEN school estate.

"All of this has now been mapped out," he said.

"I will need other parties to support me. I met the finance minister just last week, I outlined to him the ask we're going to require. It's £1.7bn over the next 10 years."

Sheena McCann, who was at the protest, said her son Joe is 17 and they are in the process of transitioning him into adult care services.

"In our situation we are being offered two days in the day centre for a few hours and that is not going to be sufficient, he requires the same location to visit on consecutive days. It is extremely hard to get him out of the house."

Ms McCann continued: "I'm really worried because I find it difficult, we don't have any sleep and it's really left to me and my husband and it's really difficult to know we can't go out.

"10 years ago you would have received five days and transport, everybody is being let down here. I can't believe in this day and age this has happened."

Tina Henderson, who attended the protest on behalf of her son Robin, said she was a solo mum and had "no support whatsoever"

"I'm here today because I'm frustrated.

"I got four hours respite all summer, I'm dreading the future of being just stuck at home."

She told it is "very hard" for her son to adapt to other areas and he has to feel secure to go through with any changes.

"It's pretty hard. I've already talked to a few MLAs- there's no services, no rest, there is no support for my son whatsoever and things needs to change."

Ms Henderson explained politicians don't know because "they aren't in our world… if they knew they would see the struggles, nobody sees it unless you're in this world".

What is there for children with SEN in NI?

There are approximately 70,000 SEN pupils in Northern Ireland and 29,000 of them have an official statement detailing the support they require.

Now, a child can be given a statement of SEN, a legal document outlining the support they should have, in school.

A statement - and the provision it requires - ceases when a child goes out of school, as opposed to remaining until age 25.

By comparison, in England an education, health and care plan (EHCP) sets out a young person's special educational needs until the age of 25.

It is a legal document, which also sets out the extra support they require in education or training and the outcomes they wish to attain.

But an EHCP is only for young people in England, although there has been a criticism that some councils do not complete deadlines outlined in the plan. 

In Wales and Scotland, there have been recent changes to assist young people with SEN to move on from school.

The Department for the Economy has estimated that demand for such services in Northern Ireland has increased by 134% over the course of the last twenty years.