To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any work they are doing to progress post-19 special educational needs provision.

In June 2025, I outlined the findings of my Department’s review and set out my proposed programme of reform, subject to the necessary investment, to improve and expand the Department for the Economy funded pathways and support for learners with special educational needs. It is a significant programme, involving many aspects of our provision and supports. Officials are currently scoping the timeline and resources required to bring forward our proposed reforms. Investment will be crucial to enable us to develop and deliver our reform programme. We have submitted a collaborative bid to the Transformation Fund, as well as preparing Departmental bids for the multi-year Spending Review. In June, I also stated my intention to write to Executive colleagues on a range of wider issues which the Economy review reported on, to ensure a cross government collective and coordinated approach to those issues. I have now progressed this, with an Executive paper discussed and my recommendations endorsed at an Executive meeting on Thursday 18th September. This collective approach is required across the Executive if we are to deliver on our shared commitment to ensure better support for young people with Special Educational Needs.