Explanatory note

This Order brings into operation those provisions of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 which relate to children with special educational needs. Article 3, Articles 6 to 28, Schedules 1 and 2, Part I of Schedule 5 and Part I of Schedule 6 come into operation on 1st September 1997; Articles 4 and 5 come into operation on 1st September 1998.

Article 3 defines certain terms.

Articles 4 and 5 relate to a code of practice on special educational needs.

Articles 6 to 9 make general provisions in relation to special educational provision.

Articles 10 to 12 provide for special educational provision otherwise than in a grant-aided school.

Articles 13 to 21, and Schedules 1 and 2, provide for the identification and assessment of children with special educational needs.

Articles 22 to 24 provide for a Special Educational Needs Tribunal.

Article 25 relates to religious education in special schools.

Article 26 relates to the approval of institutions other than grant-aided schools.

Article 27 relates to school attendance orders.

Article 28 refers to the making of regulations and orders.

Schedules 5 and 6 make consequential legislative amendments and repeals.