To ask the Minister of Education what provisions are available to support children and their families, assessed with special educational needs, when the Special Educational Needs Coordinator in the school is absent for a lengthy period of time.

The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) is responsible for many day to day operational duties for special educational needs (SEN) within a school. All relevant staff will also be aware of the provision in place for those pupils with assessed SEN.

In the absence of a SENCo, their duties will need to be delegated, and as with all staff absences, it is up the school Principal to designate a staff member to carry out SENCO duties, or assume the role themselves to ensure provision for children with SEN continues.