APPENDIX 3
Memorandum from the Independent Panel
for Special Education Advice (IPSEA)
ENQUIRY INTO PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN NORTHERN
IRELAND: SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION
IPSEA is a national charity offering free advice
and support to parents of children with special educational needs.
We offer free independent advice on the Education and Library
Board's legal duties towards children with special educational
needs via a telephone advice line. With the commencement
of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal we have extended out
service in Northern Ireland to offer free support and/or representation
for parents at the Tribunal. On behalf of IPSEA, I would like
to thank you for seeking a response from IPSEA as part of your
enquiry.
Unfortunately due to the very specific nature
of your enquiry we are unable to respond quoting facts and figures.
We cannot claim to represent or be in contact with the majority
of parents of children with special needs in Northern Ireland
but we are contacted by a lot of very unhappy parents. Many of
the problems which they are experiencing could have been resolved
at an early stage in the assessment and statementing process which
would save money in the long run. Similarly there appears to be
a pattern of problems in that parents in different ELB's tend
to experience different problems particular to their Board. There
would appear to be areas where co-ordinated policy and management
would benefit parents and hopefully release funds which could
be better utilised in making proper provision for children.
We wish you well with your enquiry and sincerely
hope that it will result in a better and more efficient service
being offered to parents of children with special needs in Northern
Ireland.
25 March 1998
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