New Two-Year Operational Plan Launched for Northern Ireland

The Plan aims to address key priorities in primary, special and post-primary education, with a particular focus on meeting the increasing demand for Special Educational Needs (SEN) places.

Developed collaboratively by local Area Planning Local Groups * the plan covers the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026 (with deferred publication). The Plan responds to projected changes in Northern Ireland's pupil population, which is projected to decrease overall in the next 10 years, while demand for SEN places is increasing. 

Assistant Director of Education for the Education Authority (EA) Seamus Bradley said that in line with the Minister of Education’s recent statement Operational Plan 2 will develop a ‘SEN First’ approach to Area Planning. A critical focus of the Plan is to engage with schools, parents and communities to discuss their future needs, and to ensure that children with special educational needs have access to an appropriate place at their nearest suitable school.

“‘Operational Plan 2 - 2024-26’ supports the Northern Ireland Draft Programme for Government 2024-2027, which outlines the need to plan for future Special Needs provision in a coherent and measured way.

“Given the changing pupil profile, all schools will continue to plan how they can best meet the needs of all children, particularly those with special educational needs. We need to ensure there are sufficient places in both special schools and specialist provision in mainstream schools to effectively meet the needs of local communities.

“EA and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), alongside sectoral partners, are keen to explore options and solutions with schools during the life span of this Plan to begin the process of shaping our educational landscape.

“I would ask that schools, families and communities join us on this journey and engage in this important work to achieve effective and sustainable solutions for future provision, which will deliver the best educational outcomes for all children and young people,” he said.

EA’s Operational Plan 2: 2024-26 and the Strategic Plans are available on the EA website Education Authority Northern Ireland Area Planning