New Research to Enhance Inclusion and Opportunity for Young People with SEND in NI

A research team from Stranmillis University College, Belfast has recently secured funding to undertake an important new research project which explores the opportunities and barriers faced by young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as they transition from education and into employment in Northern Ireland.  

The mixed-methods, three-phase research project aims to review existing post-19 provision for young people transitioning from special schools in Northern Ireland, identifying availability, access criteria and service gaps.   

The project will also explore the perspectives of young people themselves (pre- and post-transition), their parents, teachers, training providers, employers and other stakeholders.  By capturing the voices of those with lived experience and combining this with robust analysis of existing provision, the project aims to inform future policy, improve service design and enhance inclusion, choice and outcomes for young people with SEND in Northern Ireland.   

The research team includes Prof Noel Purdy OBE, Prof Adam Boddison OBE, Dr Emilia Symington, Dr Mark Ballentine and Dr Niall Johnston. 

Professor Noel Purdy OBE, Principal Investigator of the “Transform” project, and Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, explained: 

“This project is about listening to the voices of young people with special educational needs and disabilities and ensuring that their hopes, talents and potential are not limited by the systems around them. By working closely with schools, families, employers and policy makers, we aim to create a clearer, more inclusive pathway into fulfilling adult lives and tailored, meaningful opportunities for all of our young people.”

Professor Kristel Miller, Director of EPIC Futures NI and Professor of Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development at Ulster University Business School said: 

“We are delighted to award £250,000 to nine outstanding projects through the first phase of our Policy Commissioning Fund. These initiatives represent a diverse and innovative range of approaches to understand and tackle systemic barriers to fair and inclusive employment across Northern Ireland. The insights generated will help inform meaningful policy responses and long-term solutions”.

“Transform: Exploring Pathways and Barriers for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning from Education to Employment in Northern Ireland” is one of nine grants awarded by EPIC Futures NI as part of the Phase 1 Policy Commissioning Fund. EPIC Futures is a Local Policy Innovation Partnership, led by Ulster University and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Innovate UK, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).  EPIC Futures brings together academia, policymakers, business, community and voluntary sector to tackle challenges in the skills and employability landscape. Together, we aim to create evidence-based solutions to fair and inclusive employment across Northern Ireland. 

The Phase 2 Policy Commissioning Call is expected to launch in the summer of 2025 with a September submission date.  

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