To ask the Minister of Education when the practice of treating children with special educational needs and disabilities as supernumerary will end.

Children with a statement of special educational needs are considered as supernumerary for admissions purposes, meaning a child who holds a statement can access the school most suitable for their needs regardless of whether places remain available through the open enrolment procedure. While this remains the existing practice, I do wish to consider the issue carefully to ensure the best possible approach to admissions for all children.

My officials are in the process of bringing proposals to me for my consideration.