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Parents of SEN students express devastation as deadline looms
Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt notified assembly members that the opportunity to modify the legislation has now passed.
Parents of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are expressing disappointment over the lack of time to reform the law and ensure continued support for their children after they leave school, with some describing the situation as "devastating".

According to Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, the current timeline is insufficient to implement the necessary legislative changes before the upcoming election, prompting him to acknowledge that "time has run out".
Alma White, the mother of 18-year-old Caleb, who has autism and is nearing the end of his school career, believes that young people with SEN are not receiving the support they need, stating that they are "being failed" by the system.
In response to the Health Minister's statement, Alma White expressed appreciation for his candor but noted that the uncertainty surrounding her son's future is causing her significant distress, saying "it hurts deeply because more uncertainty looms".
Minister Nesbitt cited the impending purdah period, during which no new ministerial policies can be introduced, as a key factor in the lack of time available to effect the desired changes to the law, highlighting the constraints imposed by the pre-election timeline.
The upcoming assembly elections are scheduled to take place by May 2027.
A statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) in Northern Ireland is a legally binding document that outlines the specific support a child is entitled to receive from educational institutions.
Once students with SEN leave school, they often encounter a significant gap in support services, with parents and school administrators warning of a precipice in provision for their post-school lives.
In contrast, England has an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) that remains in effect until the individual reaches 25 years of age, specifying the assistance they should receive.
Nevertheless, some local authorities in England have faced criticism for not adequately providing the support mandated by the EHCP.
In Northern Ireland, a distinct difference exists in the support system for young people with special educational needs, as Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are not implemented, and the provisions outlined in a student's Statement of Special Educational Needs cease upon completion of their schooling.
Advocates, including Alma White, founder of the Caleb's Cause organization, have been pushing for legislative reforms in Northern Ireland to address the existing gaps in support services.
Protests have been held at Stormont, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly, to draw attention to the issue and prompt action from lawmakers.
According to Alma White, her efforts to bring about change began when her son Caleb was 16 years old, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive support system.
Alma White expressed concern that the government has not adequately addressed the systemic issues that leave young people like Caleb without a clear plan or support after they finish school, stating that "instead of our government tackling the systemic failures Caleb and so many others now face that cliff edge with no plan."
A apology is extended to the young individuals who will be impacted by this decision, as more could not be accomplished to change the outcome.
As the mother of Caleb, there was an expectation that meaningful action would be taken during this term, given the compelling evidence and factual information presented.
The existing law has been in place for nearly five decades, and an update is being sought to reflect current needs.
The question remains as to how much longer it will take for this change to occur, with a sense of uncertainty about the timeline.
Concerns are being raised about the lack of equal access to choices and the uneven application of human rights principles.
In Northern Ireland, numerous individuals, including Caleb, are not receiving adequate support, and the regional executive is aware of this ongoing issue.
Caroline Campbell's son, Oscar, who has autism, is nearing the end of his special school education, marking a significant milestone.

According to Ms Campbell, Oscar has only one year of schooling left, during which he will still be protected by existing laws.
The government's stance is perceived as a clear indication that Oscar's needs are being disregarded, prompting concerns about his future prospects.
Ms Campbell expressed her distress at the prospect of Oscar spending most of his time at home, citing concerns about the potential impact on his development and opportunities.
The individual in question requires access to options, which can only be achieved through a legislative overhaul.
During a plenary session, Alliance MLA Nick Mathison inquired about Nesbitt's plans to implement care and support plans for students with Special Educational Needs upon their departure from school.

According to Mathison, numerous parents are worried that once their children complete their education, they will no longer be protected by their Special Educational Needs statement.
Nesbitt stated that introducing legislation during the current mandate is not being considered, citing a lack of time as the primary reason.
Nesbitt expressed a desire to see the implementation of multiple legislative pieces before the start of purdah in March 2027.
The issue in question is indeed one of them, and it is receiving attention from us, with no intention of disregarding its significance.
However, I must provide an honest response to the member, and I will not misrepresent the facts.
At present, there is no proposal in place, as we have been informed that the current legislative timeline, which extends up to the pre-election period, does not allow for it.
News
Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire
Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.
The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.
Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.
The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.
According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.
Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.
With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.
The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.
An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.
A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.
Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.
Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.
If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.
News
Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
News
Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years
Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.
It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.
The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.
During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.
Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.
BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.
The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.
Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.
Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.
The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.
A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.
The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.
It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.
The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.
Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.
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