Back to school: EA sets out help for families as pupils prepare to return

Parents and carers across Northern Ireland are being urged to check the support available ahead of the new school year, with help covering everything from school transport and admissions to free school meals, uniform grants and special educational needs.

The Education Authority (EA) says dedicated helplines and online information are available as families prepare for the return to classrooms, including those whose children are starting a new school or travelling independently for the first time.

The practical support comes after months of preparation for September, including planning transport across more than 5,000 routes and creating more than 1,100 additional places for children with special educational needs (SEN) as demand continues to grow.

Help with transport, meals, uniforms and admissions

Families who still need information or assistance can access support covering:

• school transport

• special educational needs

• free school meals

• uniform grants

• school admissions

Full information, including details of the relevant helplines, is available through the Back to Schoolsection of the Education Authority website.

The scale of the preparations reflects the number of children and families relying on EA services.

Around 96,000 children use daily school transport arrangements, while more than 160,000 school meals are provided. EA ICT systems support more than 320,000 pupils, while almost 227,000 young people are reached through youth services.

Ahead of the new academic year, transport planning has covered more than 5,000 routes, while around 92,000 pupils can access free school meals and uniform grants.

More than 1,100 additional SEN places

One of the most significant areas of preparation has been additional provision for children with special educational needs.

The EA says more than 1,100 additional SEN places have been created across mainstream and special schools to help meet growing demand.

Chief Executive of the Education Authority, Richard Pengelly, acknowledged that the beginning of a new school year can bring uncertainty as well as excitement for families.

He said:

“As a new school year begins, many children, young people and families will be looking forward to the opportunities ahead. We also recognise that this can be a time of uncertainty, particularly for parents whose children are starting a new school, travelling independently for the first time, or requiring additional support.

“Staff across EA and schools have been working to prepare for September, including creating additional places for children with special educational needs. This important work will continue over the coming days and weeks.

“A range of information, advice and support is available for families, and we remain committed to working with schools and partners to ensure every child has the best possible start to the new school year.

“I wish all children, young people and school staff every success for the year ahead.”

What families should do now

With schools preparing to reopen, parents who have outstanding questions over transport, SEN provision, admissions or financial support are being encouraged to use the EA’s Back to School information rather than wait until pupils have returned.

Families should also check any information issued directly by their child’s school, particularly around opening arrangements and the first days of term.

For those awaiting support or needing clarification, the EA says its information, advice and dedicated helplines will remain available over the coming days and weeks as the new academic year gets under way.