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Review of Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN)
Posted by Schooldays Nwshound, on 31/01/2023.
Tags: Parenting Education And Politics
Purpose of the public consultation
The Department of Education is undertaking a review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004.
The purpose of this review is to provide assurance that the law that governs the provision of education for children with special educational needs is adequate. This is important, in order to protect the interests of the children concerned and their families, and to ensure that the State can make plans to provide for appropriate education for children with special educational needs.
Online survey
Individuals or organisations that wish to make a submission to the review.
It is also possible to make a submission by emailing epsen@education.gov.ie
The department wishes to conduct an inclusive consultation process, and alternative formats of submission will be accepted. Please contact us on epsen@education.gov.ie if you wish to make a submission in a format other than a document, or support someone to have their views heard.
Consultation process
This online survey is one part of the planned consultation process. The consultation process will be wide-ranging, so that it can include a breadth of experience of as many of those people impacted by the legislation.
Significant efforts are being made by the department to consult with students and families of those with special educational needs who are currently, or have been through, the education system during the period of operation of the Act.
A range of consultation methods will be used over the coming months. If you wish to be considered for inclusion in a consultation event, please contact epsen@education.gov.ie
The views of experts are also being sought, to include those working in the education sector and people supporting persons with disabilities.
Review of the EPSEN Act
The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 provides for the education of children aged under 18 years with special educational needs.
The government is committed to ensuring that every child receives an education to help him/her achieve his/her potential. To this end, the State has made very significant investment in a range of education supports for these children. The State has also put in place a comprehensive legislative framework to protect and support the educational rights of these children and their families.
The purpose of this review is to provide assurance that the law that governs the provision of education for children with special educational needs is adequate. This is important, in order to protect the interests of the children concerned and their families, and to ensure that the State can make plans to provide for appropriate education for children with special educational needs.
A Steering Group, Working Group and Advisory Group are overseeing this review process. Details on membership can be found below:
Review of EPSEN - Stakeholders
Consultation Paper on the Review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004
gov.ie
Cathy O Carroll
(15/02/2023 07:39)
The Act does not adequately allow for provision of education for children with special educational needs. 35 days does not constitute a year of education lost to a cohort who only started secondary school in feb 2021 after 11.5 months out of education . No additional supports were forthcoming. No communication books or IEP. We do not know what a pre verbal child is learning on a daily basis . Neps requested no assistance given . I would be grateful to see how the state intends to allow him reach his full potential when they do not provide supports or means of communication between home and school.