Education Authority warns 164 SEN pupils may be without school place by September 2025

The Education Authority (EA) has issued an urgent call to schools across Northern Ireland to help address a critical shortfall in places for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), warning that 164 pupils may not have access to appropriate education by September 2025.

In a stark statement released today, EA Chief Executive Richard Pengelly said the current system risks “failing these children and their parents/carers” if more schools do not step forward to provide specialist provision classes.

Crisis mounting despite expansion efforts

Over recent years, the EA has created more than 5,000 additional SEN places, including over 1,450 extra places for the upcoming academic year. As part of preparations for September 2024, more than 150 additional classes have been set up for approximately 1,350 pupils across 123 schools.

However, this expansion has not kept pace with rising demand. The EA now warns of a “critical shortage” of specialist provision places for the following academic year, with existing resources insufficient to meet the growing complexity and number of SEN pupils.

“It is simply unacceptable that, as a system, we risk failing these children and their parents/carers by not having a place available for them,” Mr Pengelly said.

Additional classes urgently needed

The Education Authority estimates that 27 additional specialist provision classes are needed across Northern Ireland to meet projected demand.

EA has identified 58 schools in high-pressure areas that may have the potential capacity to accommodate these classes. Yet, despite repeated outreach and even direct intervention by the Minister of Education, only one school has offered a firm commitment to progress provision for September 2025.

“Many schools have already opened one or more specialist provision classes, and we are deeply grateful to them for doing so,” said Mr Pengelly.

“However… unfortunately only one school has responded with a firm offer to progress work for September 2025.”

Appeal for collaboration from schools

Mr Pengelly issued a direct appeal to school leaders: “We know from schools who have already set up specialist provision that many benefits flow to the school and the wider community from doing this.”

He emphasised the inclusive nature of such provisions, noting they create a more nurturing educational environment not just for SEN pupils, but for entire school communities.

Acknowledging the current pressures faced by schools, he pledged that EA would do everything possible “over the summer period and beyond” to provide the necessary support. But he cautioned there is a “limited window” to act.

“Should we not receive the support we are seeking, EA must also consider asking the Department of Education to begin the process to formally instruct specific schools to set up specialist provision,” he warned.

“To be clear, this would not be passing the issue to schools, but rather directing the schools to work with us to address a shared problem.”

A shared responsibility for all

With the clock ticking towards the start of the 2025 school year, the EA is pressing ahead with plans, determined to avoid leaving vulnerable children without access to education.

“We must continue to strive to ensure that every child receives the high-quality education and support they deserve,” Mr Pengelly concluded.

Further information on SEN specialist provisions in each council area, along with video testimonials from participating schools, is available at: https://send.eani.org.uk/Specialist-Provision