Education Authority to hold Special Educational Needs engagement events for parents and carers across Northern Ireland

The first part of the sessions will introduce parents and carers to the SEND Transformation Programme, while our Special Educational Needs (SEN) Advice and Information Service will then be on hand to provide information and guidance on general concerns relating to SEN.

Six in-person events will take place across EA sites, while one online session will be held to facilitate anyone who wishes to join virtually.

SEN Advice and Information Service engagement session

The EA’s SEN Advice and Information Service will provide advice and information on general SEN concerns.

What the sessions will cover?

• Role of parents
• How children’s learning is supported in school
• First steps to take when concerns arise
• Overview of the SEN Framework

Who should attend?

Any interested parent or carer is welcome to attend however registration is limited to maximum capacity of each venue. The information provided at these sessions will be more appropriate for some parents rather than others. It is anticipated that the sessions will be most appropriate for parents and carers whose children are not on the school’s SEN register, but who have concerns about their child’s progress at school.

The SEND Transformation Programme has been established to deliver all the work that is required to make positive and lasting changes to the special educational needs system.

Our aim through this programme is to transform our services and create a system that will deliver the right support at the right time for all our children and young people with SEND, so that they can get the best possible start in life.

What the sessions will cover?

• The establishment of the programme
• An overview of the projects underway and progress
• Information about upcoming consultation opportunities

The sessions will also provide an opportunity for parents and carers to provide feedback and ask questions relating to the development and delivery of the programme.

Who should attend?

This engagement session is open to all parents and carers who have an interest in the transformation work underway, however registration is limited to maximum capacity of each venue. This session may be of particular interest to those parents and carers who have children currently receiving or awaiting SEND support.

The sessions will take place on the following dates:

• 27 March 2023, 5.30pm-7.30pm; Antrim Board Centre.
• 28 March 2023, 5.30pm-7.30pm; Dungannon Teachers’ Centre.
• 29 March 2023, 5.30pm-7.30pm; Malone College (Finaghy Road North Entrance)
• 30 March 2023, 7-9pm; Online Event.
• 31 March 2023, 3.30pm-5.30pm; Omagh Teachers’ Centre.
• 4 April 2023, 3-5pm; Newry Teachers’ Centre.
• 5 April 2023, 3-5pm; North West Teachers’ Centre.