Explanatory Memorandum to Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 Explanatory Memorandum

Commentary on Articles

Part I – Special Educational Needs

Article 4: Advice and information for parents

23.This Article amends the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 by inserting a new Article 21A to place a duty on Boards to make arrangements for providing information on SEN matters to parents of children in their area who have SEN. The new duty does not mean that Boards will have to provide the services themselves they might decide to contract with a provider from the voluntary sector. In making these arrangements Boards must heed guidance issued by the Department of Education.

24.The revised SEN Code of Practice will give guidance on this service. Boards must publicise to parents and schools in their area the fact that the services are available and must inform other interested parties.

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