Education Authority calls for urgent school support to address significant SEN pressures

In doing this, we face a particular challenge for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).  This is not a new issue, and in recent years we have created over 5,000 additional places, including over 1,450 additional places for September 2024.  In preparation for the next academic year, EA has already created more than 150 additional classes, for approximately 1,350 pupils, across 123 schools.  But this is not enough to meet the pressures we face, and the growing demand and complexity of need means there is a critical shortage of specialist provision places for September 2025.

The consequence of this is that, despite continuous and significant efforts by EA and many school leaders, and direct ministerial involvement, there remains a significant risk that 164 children with SEN may not have a school place in September. 

This is clearly a matter of huge concern, and for this reason EA has today written to school leaders in those key areas where there are pressures for places. 

EA Chief Executive Richard Pengelly said: "It is simply unacceptable that, as a system, we risk failing these children and their parents/carers by not having a place available for them. 

"Many schools have already opened one or more specialist provision classes, and we are deeply grateful to them for doing so. However, we must create an additional 27 specialist provision classes across Northern Ireland to fully meet demand.

“We have identified 58 schools in high-pressure locations with the potential capacity to work with us to do so.  However, despite numerous engagements by EA colleagues, and the Minister taking the unusual step of writing directly requesting their support, unfortunately only one school has responded with a firm offer to progress work for September 2025.”

The EA Chief Executive appealed for more schools to come forward:

“We know from schools who have already set up specialist provision that many benefits flow to the school and the wider community from doing this. In particular, many highlight that this approach supports a nurturing and inclusive education experience for the whole school community. 

“We also fully acknowledge the pressures schools are facing, and I am committed to EA doing everything we can over the summer period and beyond to provide whatever support schools need from us. However, there is a limited window to create the necessary capacity for the new school year, and I urgently appeal to those schools to whom we have written to work collaboratively with us.

“Given the criticality of the issue, we cannot afford to fail. Accordingly, should we not receive the support we are seeking, EA must also consider asking the Department of Education to begin the process to formally instruct specific schools to set up specialist provision.  To be clear, this would not be passing the issue to schools, but rather directing the schools to work with us to address a shared problem.  I sincerely hope such a step will not be needed, but we cannot abandon those children who need our support. 

“We must continue to strive ensure that every child receives the high-quality education and support they deserve.”