Explanatory note

This order brings into operation section 6 of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.

Section 6 provides that parents have 22 days in which to make representations, or provide written evidence, when the Education Authority notifies them that it has received a referral to make a statutory assessment under Article 15 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996. The Authority can, with the parent’s consent, proceed to the next stage before the 22 days has expired.