To ask the Minister of Education to detail any plans his Department has to introduce mandatory continuous professional development programmes for all teachers focused on special educational needs.

Investing in and supporting the teacher workforce is a key priority in my Department’s TransformED NI: Transforming Teaching and Learning strategy. This strategy aims to ensure high-quality professional development is provided throughout teachers’ careers.

It is closely aligned with my recently published Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda and five-year Delivery Plan, which set out an ambitious programme for the transformation of services to support children and young people with SEN.

To support SEN-related professional learning, the Education Authority (EA) provides a range of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities. While participation is not mandatory, my Department has facilitated attendance by providing financial support for substitute cover in schools.

The EA also offers a wide range of SEN-focused resources, including CPD packs for school-wide use and online professional development programmes, accessible via its website. Additionally, the Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland provide ongoing SEN-related professional learning opportunities for teachers.

I will consider further the approach to SEN-related professional development over coming months.