Blog Layout

NEW CENTRAL SUPPORT LINE FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Carla Lockhart MP • February 5, 2025

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has welcomed the nee support line for Special Educational Needs children. Parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) often face significant challenges in accessing the right support for their child’s education. In a welcome step forward, the Education Authority has launched a new central contact number, making it easier for families to get the assistance they need. 

The SEND Central helpline, available on 028 9031 7777, will connect callers directly to key services: 



- Press 1 for Statutory Assessment Review Service (SARS) 

- Press 2 for SEND Advice and Information 

- Press 3 for SEND Support Services 


The helpline will operate Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. 


Welcoming the introduction of this new service, Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, said: 


"For too long, parents and carers of children with special educational needs have struggled to get clear and timely guidance from the Education Authority. I know from speaking to families in Upper Bann that the process can often feel overwhelming, with delays and confusion about who to contact for help.


This new central contact number is a step in the right direction. It should make it easier for parents to get the information and support they need without being passed from one department to another. However, I will continue to monitor how effectively it works in practice, ensuring that it delivers real improvements for families.


If any parents in Upper Bann experience difficulties accessing the support they need, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to help and will continue to fight for better SEND provision for local families."


Share

MP Calls for Urgent Support for Hospitality Sector

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 11, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has called on the Government to take urgent action to support the hospitality sector, warning that Labour’s Budget is pushing small and family-run businesses to the brink. 

65 Years of Girlguiding Waringstown is Celebrated

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 11, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP for Upper Bann, has praised the wonderful legacy of Girlguiding Waringstown as she joined past and present members at a special 65th Anniversary Exhibition in Brownlow House, Lurgan, on Saturday past. 

MP Thanks Residents for Strong Turnout at Monthly Advice Clinics

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 11, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has thanked all those who attended her monthly advice clinics in Banbridge and Loughgall on Friday past, highlighting the importance of these sessions in providing direct support to local people. 

MP Welcomes New Management at Herrons Country Fried Chicken, Portadown

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 11, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has welcomed the exciting changes at Herrons Country Fried Chicken in Portadown, now under the new management of local entrepreneur Darren Ogle.

MP Highlights Changes to Post Office Services in Upper Bann

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 11, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has welcomed the opening of two new "Drop & Collect" Post Office branches in Banbridge and Lurgan, providing greater convenience for parcel collections, returns, and bill payments. However, she has also stressed the importance of maintaining full Post Office services for the local community.

Carla Lockhart MP Welcomes Resurfacing Work on Clanbrassil Road

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 11, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has expressed her delight at the commencement of resurfacing works in Clanbrassil Park, a much-needed improvement that will benefit local residents. The resurfacing project, has been eagerly anticipated after Ms Lockhart confirmed the works with DFI a number of months ago.

Latest frailty and failure of Assisted Dying Bill exposed

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 11, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the decision to scrap the requirement for scrutiny of assisted suicide cases by a High Court judge is another reason why even those who may have initially supported the Assisted Dying Bill should be concerned.

Each abortion represents a life lost

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 5, 2025
DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart, who is Chair of the All-Party Pro-Life Group at Westminster, has expressed deep concern at the latest abortion statistics for Northern Ireland, which show a 28.8% increase in abortions carried out in the past year. In 2023/24, 2,792 abortions were performed - 624 more than the previous year’s total of 2,168.

MP CELEBRATES SUCCESS OF SCOTCH STREET YOUTH & COMMUNITY CENTRE AT AGM

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the incredible work of Scotch Street Youth & Community Centre (SSYC) following its recent AGM, where she had the honour of chairing proceedings. The event brought together young people, families, and dedicated volunteers to celebrate another successful year for the centre, which continues to provide a vital space for youth engagement and community activities. 

MP CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON INTERNET AND PHONE SIGNAL OUTAGES AFTER STORM ÉOWYN

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 5, 2025
Residents across Upper Bann continue to experience widespread internet and phone signal disruptions in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, with many left without essential connectivity for days. MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, has been working closely with providers including Fibrus, O2, BT, Sky, Openreach, and Vodafone to ensure services are restored as quickly as possible. 
More Posts
Share by: