Work continues to strengthen specialist SEN provision

Since 2020, EA has worked with schools across Northern Ireland to create over 6,000 additional SEN places.  

The new peer-to-peer leadership support programme is designed to help schools establish and sustain specialist provision - classes within mainstream schools for children with special educational needs.

The Principal Advisors programme will see five principals with experience in developing specialist provision classes working part-time as Principal Advisors to designated schools, as they establish provision for young people with SEN in their local community.

Principal Advisors will offer schools practical guidance across a range of areas, including planning, governance, staffing, curriculum, and operational systems.

Dale Hanna EA Chief Operations Officer said: 

“EA is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that every school developing Specialist Provision has the support it needs to succeed. 

“The Principal Advisors Programme is a vital part of our enhanced support package, which connects school leaders with experienced peers. 

“Our aim is to develop confident school leadership teams with sustainable SEN provision, helping them to effectively respond to the changing educational needs of our learners."

The programme is part of the wider Enhanced Support Package for schools which includes: SENCO release, the funding of teaching and classroom support staff, staff training, enhancement of school premises, as well as annual pupil and administration payments.  

This reflects EA’s ongoing commitment to ensure schools have the resources to implement quality SEN provision which will benefits all of children and young people.