That’s the message from the Education Authority as it sets out what needs to be done to fully meet the growing demand for SEN provision.
A total of 1,374 additional SEN places have been created for the 2025-26 school year, involving 29 classes in Special Schools and 128 specialist provision classes in mainstream schools.
As of this morning (Wed 27 August), six pupils have still to be found places. Intensive work is continuing to confirm provision for these children as early as possible in the new school year.
Of the newly created SEN places, there are potentially 100 children across 23 schools that may not be able to attend full-time at the beginning of the school year. That’s because construction works are continuing into the new term as part of the large-scale effort to create additional accommodation.
The EA continues to work with schools to try to ensure that all children can access education. In addition to the usual phased induction to support new Nursery and Primary pupils at the start of term, bespoke arrangements will be in place for children and their families where there are delays, including alternative classroom provision within schools, structured home visits by qualified staff, stay and play sessions, or morning and afternoon classes.
EA chief executive Richard Pengelly said: “The creation of 1,374 additional SEN places this year has been made possible by a sustained push. Just two months ago, there was still a potential shortfall of 164 places.
“I commend all the work to significantly reduce that figure and thank the schools that have helped make it happen. However, much more still needs to be done.
“We have to move away from the annual cycle of potential shortfalls in places and create more certainty for children, their families and schools.
“That will have to involve working towards a position where all schools are involved in providing specialist provision – where SEN teaching is mainstreamed in every sense of the word.
“That can be done alongside continued investment to keep growing the number of places in Special Schools.
“The overriding goal must be to provide the best possible education for all children.
“The level of need will increase again next year and that will require an increasing number of schools working with EA to provide inclusive solutions.”
At present, only 26% of mainstream schools in NI currently offer specialist provision. This proportion must increase to meet the demands placed on the system.
EA remains committed to providing the necessary support for mainstream schools to provide for children with Special Educational Needs.
Families across NI needing support in relation to SEN education can contact their SEN Link Officer or call the dedicated SEN central phoneline on 028 9031 7777. Resources and advice are also available at: Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) | SEND Plan
In a major initiative to enhance support for children with SEN and their families, a total of 28 new Local IMPACT Teams will be launched in September 2025 across Northern Ireland.
Each team brings together specialists in areas such as Autism, Language and Communication, Literacy and Social, Behavioural and Well Being Needs providing localised support for schools, children and families.
The teams will ensure every child can access appropriate support at the earliest point of intervention within their own community.
