Reduction in number of SEN children in the North still waiting for school place in September

**Belfast** — Fewer than five children with special educational needs (SEN) remain without a school place for September, according to the Stormont Education Authority (EA).

While the figure represents a decrease from July, when fewer than 15 additional places were unconfirmed, the EA warned that “significant change” is necessary within the education system to meet future demand.

The number of required additional places has been reduced following intensive work with schools and families, the EA stated. The updates apply to children transitioning between educational settings, such as those starting school for the first time or moving to a new school. Plans are currently in place to confirm the remaining placements.

In recent years, the start of the school term in Northern Ireland has frequently involved a “last-minute scramble” to accommodate SEN students, with demand having increased by more than 50% over the past five years. At the start of the September 2025 term, six SEN children were left without a school place, while others had to wait for full-time attendance until additional accommodation could be established.

The EA emphasized that addressing the ongoing demand requires sustained investment to expand special school capacity alongside substantial growth in specialist SEN classes within mainstream schools. Currently, less than a third of mainstream schools in the region feature specialist SEN provision classes. By September 2026, that figure is projected to reach 30%.

The authority also noted that much of the existing special school estate is operating close to or at full capacity.

Earlier this year, Education Minister Paul Givan and EA Chief Executive Richard Pengelly wrote to schools asking for support in establishing new SEN provisions. During the summer, the EA reported that some mainstream schools had “stonewalled approaches” aimed at creating additional places for SEN children in high-need areas.

Article and image source: breakingnews.ie