An MLA is calling on the Education Minister to implement an "SEN first" approach when It comes to school admissions.
Sinn Féin 's Danny Baker was speaking after parents of primary school age children received the outcomes of their application in recent days.
The West Belfast MLA, who also sits on Stormont's Education Committee, said that it is "demonstrably clear" that our education system is under immense pressure, particularly when it comes to school placements for children with special educational needs (SEN).
"This requires urgent attention, and a new plan for children with SEN in education is needed. Year on year, the number of our young people identified as having SEN continues to rise, yet we do not see the same increase in suitable school places for these children and we also know there is a lack of specialist staff to support them," he said.
"Mainstream schools play an important role in educating children and young people with SEN, and these schools need and deserve additional resources. Despite this, we must see increased capacity for special schools to deliver for our young people. More suitable places should be made available, and the Department of Education ’s capital builds programme must prioritise special schools moving forward.
"The situation in recent years faced by many families waiting anxiously for a school place right up to the start of school term, and sometimes beyond it, is unacceptable and must be tackled. The current way of allocating school places is not working for families of children with SEN and this needs changed."
Mr Baker called on the education minister to explore a ‘SEN first’ strategy, whereby children with SEN form part of a school’s planned enrolment numbers and would ensure they are prioritised.
"By doing this we could provide assurance for parents, clarity for schools and would ensure the proper support required for children with SEN is in place from the beginning of term," he continued.
"The Education Authority must also improve their communication with parents and schools regarding SEN school placements to ensure families are kept up-to-date and informed.
"There are significant challenges ahead, and it’s vital the education department and Education Authority work together to ensure children with SEN are placed into schools suitably and on time. By working together, we can help to build a brighter, better and stronger future for all our young people, giving them the best opportunity to flourish in life."
In a joint statement on behalf of the Education Authority and the Department for Education, a departmental spokesperson said that better support for children and young people with SEN is a priority for the Executive as outlined in the Programme for Government.
"Ensuring that children with SEN receive the right support from the right people, at the right time and in the right place is the focus of the Minister’s SEN Reform Agenda published on 4 February 2025 and available at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/sen-reform-agenda
"The five-year delivery plan sets out the actions required to transform the education system for children and young people with SEN, their families, our workforce and the education system.
"Over recent years, the number of children requiring a place in special education provision (either in mainstream or in special schools) has increased significantly and the Department of Education and the Education Authority (EA), working together, have created over 5000 additional places. This includes over 1450 additional places that were created for September 2024 and we continue to work to increase capacity for September 2025 and beyond."
The spokesperson said that in addition to the dedicated transformation plan and in taking a SEN first approach, the Minister announced the SEN Capital Investment programme in April 2024 and since then over £49m has been invested in additional SEN provision.
"The EA’s operational plan, published in January 2025 focuses on the longer term, creating a plan for each special school and to plan for special education provision across the system. Work is also underway to consult on the phased removal of supernumerary status for children with statements of SEN. The EA has created a centralised SEN helpline, face-to-face drop-in centres and additional staffing to support families. We would encourage parents and carers to utilise these channels to engage directly with the EA," they added.
"Additional information and resources are available for families on the EA’s dedicated SEN website at : Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) | SEND Plan "
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