'Stand with Caleb': Lisburn mum takes campaign for new law to protect post-19 SEN pupils to Stormont

A Lisburn mum is taking her campaign for new legislation to protect post-19 special educational needs (SEN) pupils right to the steps of Stormont.

Unlike England, Northern Ireland has no legislation in place to protect post-19 SEN special pupils and that's something Alma White wants to change.

Her son Caleb, 16, who has autism, ADHD and sensory and learning difficulties, currently attends Harberton North Special School but she fears for her teenage son's future when he leaves school in three years time.

READ MORE: NI teenager with complex special needs faces uncertain future after school

READ MORE: Special school principal tells parents 'don't blame staff' ahead of closures

In Northern Ireland, a statement of educational needs stops at 19 year of age and there is nothing to replace it. In contrast in England, when a young person reaches 19 they are entitled to an Education Health and Care (EHC) Plan, which is put in place until they are 25 (under the Children and Families Act 2014, which was extended).

This specifies the support needed and the outcomes the young person would like to achieve. In England, a young person can express a preference for a specialist Further Education College, which is then stated in their EHC plan.

Also in England, some organisations currently offer apprenticeships and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) for children leaving school at 19 but again these are not widely on offer in NI.

While there are some opportunities available here through local charities such as work experience or supported jobs in the hospitality or retail sectors, these are limited in number with high demand.

Alma previously told us how Caleb has fewer options open to him compared to his siblings in terms of further education or employment and she says more options need to be put in place for SEN children once they leave school.

She said: "Post-19 provision is very limited, and without legislation we face a very steep cliff-edge drop in opportunities for our young people with disabilities once they leave school. Mainstream pupils have access to university and further education courses, depending on their preference and academic ability.

"My daughters have a range of subjects to choose from and a pathway to a bright and successful career. Sadly the most vulnerable in society, like Caleb, have very few options for further education and work. Caleb needs legislation to protect his future and the future of his friends."

An independent review of Northern Ireland's education system, published last December, called for more education, training and employment support for young people with SEN and said that many young people like Caleb face "particular difficulties at the point of leaving school and embarking upon adult life".

Alma has launched an online petition to help create new legislation for Post-19 SEN Northern Ireland, which she says would make a massive difference to the lives of so many young adults with a disability. She is also holding a protest at Stormont on Wednesday, June 19th.

She told Belfast Live: "We are asking people to 'Stand with Caleb' and promote the need for provision of Post 19 SEN legislation. For any changes to happen we need legislation in place for young people with disabilities.

"Legislation offers a safety net to young people and their families. It obligates the government to take seriously the lack of provision for ages 19-25.

"We need to be in line with England and have Education and Health and Care Plans when a statement of educational needs ends. This allows each young person to continue to have an individual plan that is suited to their profile and needs.

"Employers for young people with SEN also need to have a care plan that they can refer to so as to understand and support that individual as needed."

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.