Work continues on securing SEN places

Our latest round of engagement with school leaders follows correspondence to schools from Education Minister Paul Givan. The Minister formally wrote to schools in recent weeks on the scale of the SEN placements challenge and the pressing need for active engagement to deliver solutions.

Subsequently, schools located within high-pressure areas of SEN need have received formal communication from the EA on establishing specialist provision classes, this will help meet local demand for September 2026.

They are in addition to the schools already working with us on establishing SEN placements. 

As in previous years, EA has been working over repeated months with mainstream schools across NI to establish additional specialist provision classes.  

In this latest phase of the process, principals in the 70 identified schools have been invited to engage as a priority with the Education Authority.

EA staff will be visiting these schools to present the evidence base, outline available options, and begin collaborative discussions to develop solutions that work for schools, staff, and most importantly, children and young people within the local communities.

These schools have been selected based on a number of criteria, including location and available or potentially available capacity for September 2026 and beyond. Reflecting the fact that current pressure for places is predominantly in the primary sector, they include 50 primary schools as well as 20 post primary schools including 4 grammar schools.

We would again underline that our ambition is for all mainstream schools across all sectors to have specialist provision SEN classes. While our prime current focus is obviously on meeting need for September 2026, our longer-term planning and engagement with schools will reflect that ambition. 

EA continues to enhance its comprehensive package of support for schools establishing specialist provision. This support includes the funding of teaching and classroom support staff, staff training, construction and enhancement of school premises, as well as annual pupil and administration payments.

Schools that have already established specialist provision have described the impact as transformative. Principals have highlighted improvements to their school environment, increased inclusivity, and overwhelmingly positive responses from parents and the wider school community.

EA remains committed to working in partnership with schools, Boards of Governors, and all relevant stakeholders to develop solutions that place the changing needs of our children and young people at the centre of every decision.