The Education Authority has experienced a significant increase in demand for specialist provision places in mainstream schools across the region in recent years. This has placed a high demand on the limited number of places available, not least in the areas where there are significant geographical and sectoral inconsistencies in relation to the accessibility of provision for some pupils.  In areas where formally approved provision is not available, and to meet the assessed needs of pupils in a timely fashion, the Education Authority has funded teachers and classroom assistants to support pupils recommended for such provision.  In addition the Education Authority has an enhanced funding support for the establishment of specialist provision classes, which is detailed on the link:  EA Working Together on SEN Provision.

The Education Authority is proposing to consult upon the following:

• Specialist Provisions to be made permanent;
• Specialist Provision to be established where Key Stage pathways have been identified (ie Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4) to meet the needs of an area; and
• Specialist Provision (Special) to be established for Early Years, Foundation, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.  Specialist Provision (Special) classes are for pupils presenting with a profile of Severe Learning Difficulties, operating in partnership with a Special School and/or Education Authority Services. 

In October 2021 the Minister of Education endorsed the Framework for Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools.  Alongside this endorsement, the Minister also endorsed the associated Specialist Provision in Mainstream Pilot.  This allows for a new process for a more flexible and agile approach that will facilitate the establishment, closure or change of Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools without the need for the publication of a statutory Development Proposal, but retaining a robust consultation process. 

The Framework sets out the Education Authority’s vison, rationale and delivery plans for Special Educational Needs for those pupils who have been recommended a small group setting as part of a specialist provision class in a mainstream school across Northern Ireland and aims to improve the outcomes of children with Special Educational Needs by providing a greater level of consistent and equitable provision across the region. 

1. Special Education Strategic Area Plan 2022-27:  Planning for Special Education Provision

The Special Education Strategic Plan 2022-27: Planning for Special Education Provision is the first regional plan to focus on creating special education provision that ensures all pupils in special schools and Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.  It sets the strategic direction of Special Education Area Planning for the next five academic years 2022-27 and was informed by the Special Schools Area Planning Framework and the Framework for Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools.

The Plan states that to meet the needs of children and young people with a Statement of Special Educational Need and for Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools, Area Planning will seek to provide: 

-    availability at their nearest suitable mainstream school with specialist provision;

-    pupils with equitable access to excellent provision that meets the individual needs of the child or young person;

-    pathways in specialist provision for all ages and stages of development;

-    for changing educational, physical and medical needs; and

-    inclusivity, providing opportunities for education alongside mainstream peers.

In meeting the aim and objectives of Area Planning, four Key Themes and associated actions have been developed in order to drive forward the changes required to realise the vision and mission:

• Increase parity of access for all to appropriate pathways
• Promote cooperation, collaboration and sharing between all Special Schools and Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools across all Sectors (as appropriate)
• Maximise resources and capacity
• Inform strategic infrastructure planning and investment