Transitions Services for School Leavers with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Dear Parent/Guardian
We want to hear your view – Parents/Carers of young people with SEN
The Department of Education, in partnership with the Departments of Health, Communities and Economy has launched a survey on ‘Transitions Services for School Leavers with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities’.
Leaving school is often a time of opportunity, and planning for the future remains an important element of the last school years. While the move (or transition) from school into adulthood represents a challenge for all children, it can be particularly difficult for those with special educational needs, complex health needs, or disabilities who can face many barriers in reaching their aspirations as they move onto adulthood.
If you are a parent or carer of a young person with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) and/or a disability who is preparing to leave (or has recently left) secondary education, the Department of Education (DE) would like to hear your views on the processes involved in your child transitioning onto adulthood.
DE would like to provide an opportunity to hear any experiences, insights or suggestions as to how best navigate this transition phase, with a particular interest in achieving the following:
–
To gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and concerns faced by parents and carers of young people who are going through the transitions process;
–
To identify where improvements can be made to ensure a smoother and more inclusive system;
–
To discuss ideas for enhancements to support services, resources, or community engagement schemes;
–
To provide an opportunity for parents to share success stories, examples of good practice, and strategies that have worked well from their own personal experiences.
By actively providing feedback you will be contributing to the future development of strategies, resources, and support systems that will help enhance the transition process for children with SEN and their families.
If you wish to take part in the survey, your response can be made online at Citizen Space – https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/de/transitions-survey.
Any contribution is highly valued and will be treated with confidentiality. Should you wish to take part in any future workshops, discussion groups, engagement events or require any further information please contact Transitionsurvey@education-ni.gov.uk for further details.
Yours faithfully
Special Education Review Team