The Children's Law Centre has called for a stop to revisions in Northern Ireland's special educational needs framework. In an open letter to Education Minister Paul Givan, the group stated that the changes shift more duties to schools without addressing core problems.

The letter gained support from 14 organisations, including teaching unions INTO and UNISON. It claims the Education Authority fails to detail provisions in statements despite legal requirements. The proposed Graduated Response Framework moves support further from pupils, the letter argues.

Schools lack capacity to identify and provide for special educational needs, according to the centre. Current mismatches in services lead to legal issues and delays for children. Multiple ongoing consultations add pressure to the sector.

Paul Givan announced that all mainstream schools must accommodate pupils with special educational needs. The DUP MLA said the policy aims to unite the system effectively for vulnerable children.

Rachel Hogan, a legal adviser at the Children's Law Centre, said the reforms repeat past errors and weaken legal protections. She noted that years of work with the Education Authority and Department of Education have been set aside.

Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan welcomed the letter as a key intervention. He urged Givan to pause the process and engage with the centre, unions, and frontline workers for a rights-focused plan.