All NI schools will need to be involved in providing for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

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.

Figures published by the Department of Education in March showed that since 2017-18, the number of children in NI with statements of SEN has risen by circa 51%, while the number of children attending special schools increased by circa 25%. By way of comparison, total pupil numbers have risen by circa 3.5% over the same period.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being done to meet the need for SEN places in NI?

The Education Authority has delivered unprecedented expansion of SEN provision, creating over 6,000 additional SEN places between 2020-2025 - the largest expansion in recent history. For September 2025 alone, 1,374 additional places have been created through 157 new classes across 123 schools, comprising 29 classes in Special Schools (216 places) and 128 specialist provision classes in mainstream schools (1,158 places).

This expansion has been achieved against a backdrop of severely limited budgets and represents a massive effort to meet growing demand. Over 33,000 children in Northern Ireland currently have statements of Special Educational Needs, with demand continuing to grow whilst overall pupil numbers have increased by only 3.5% since 2017-18.

Meeting the need for SEN places remains constrained by the fact that only 26% of mainstream schools currently offer specialist provision. The EA believes this is unsustainable and has the ambition to move towards a position where all schools can offer specialist provision.

What does specialist provision in mainstream schools involve?

Specialist provision typically involves dedicated classes providing education to small numbers of children with SEN.

These include Specialist Provision Learning (SPL) classes for children with learning difficulties, Specialist Provision Social Communication/Autism (SPSC) classes, and Specialist Provision Special (SPS) classes.

The model allows for mainstream integration where appropriate whilst providing targeted support in smaller class settings.

Isn't the solution to rising demand to open more special schools?

Children with Special Educational Needs require varied types of support. For some, enhanced support in a mainstream classroom is most appropriate. For others, specialist provision in dedicated classes within mainstream schools works best. For those with the most acute needs, placement in a Special School is required.

The number of children attending special schools has increased by approximately 25% since 2017- 18, whilst children with statements of SEN have risen by 51% over the same period.

What support is provided to help mainstream schools offer specialist provision?

The EA provides comprehensive support packages including a £3,000 setup allowance per class, full central budget coverage for all teaching and non-teaching staff costs, and annual allocations ranging from £18,000 to £46,000 per class depending on the provision type and key stage. Capital funding may also be provided for estate modifications.

Schools also receive support from the Specialist Provision Service, comprehensive training programmes, and dedicated staffing structures.

In addition, 28 new Local IMPACT Teams are launching in September 2025 across Northern Ireland, providing multi-disciplinary local support including specialists in autism, speech and language, and emotional wellbeing.

What advice and support have been provided for children and parents waiting for a SEN place?

The EA has implemented enhanced communication methods including a dedicated SEN central phoneline (028 9031 7777), a dedicated SEN website offering resources and guidance, and individual online sessions with SEN Link Officers. Families awaiting placement are assigned dedicated Family Support Link Officers alongside their SEN Link Officers to provide additional support.

As of this morning (Wed 27 August), 99.86% of children now have confirmed placements (4,369 out of 4,375 children), with 6 children still requiring places.

Construction work will continue into September across 62 schools. There are potentially 100 children across 23 schools that may not be able to attend full-time at the beginning of the academic year.

EA are working with all impacted schools to minimise disruption to learning. 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.