To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 41363/11-15, whether a mechanism exists to ensure that Education and Library Boards and schools provide appropriate support during the transition period for young people with Special Education Needs who do not have a statement.

Under Article 4(2) of the Education (NI) Order 1996, Education and Library Boards and Boards of Governors of grant-aided schools are required to have regard to the provisions of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Paragraph 6.51 of the Code recognises that, in some instances, a pupil approaching the age of 16 may have SEN which do not call for a statement, but which are nevertheless likely to require some support during the transition process. The Code makes clear that Boards and schools should seek to provide such support. This may include the provision of school/FE college link courses or work placements. Schools may also wish to prepare their own transition plans for non-statemented students with SEN.

In addition, the Department for Employment and Learning's Careers Service is available in post-primary schools for all young people with SEN, regardless of whether or not they have a statement.

I am satisfied that the Code, which is underpinned by legislation, together with the intervention of the Careers Service, provide the mechanism for appropriate support during the transition period for those young people with Special Education Needs who do not have a statement.