Supporting Children with SEN

Supporting Children with SEN – Meeting Needs Together

At ARC NI, we see the hard work of families, schools, and professionals who support children with special educational needs (SEN). Recent news stories have again highlighted growing pressure on the education system. More importantly, they show why working together is crucial to ensure every child gets the support they need.

Ethan’s Story: A Reminder of Why This Matters

Ethan, a young boy with SEN, still doesn’t have a school place for September. His story is heartbreaking. Like many children across Northern Ireland, he’s made great progress with the right support. Yet now, he—and over 160 others—face an uncertain future.

His experience underlines the need for early planning, clear communication, and timely decisions. We call this transition planning. No child should finish school unsure of what comes next. While we appreciate current efforts, families like Ethan’s still need greater reassurance. No one should be left behind.

Schools and the Need for Resources

The Education Authority (EA) recently acknowledged the shortfall in SEN places. It asked schools to help bridge the gap. Some schools have responded positively. Others, understandably, raised concerns about capacity, staffing, and specialist support.

These concerns are valid. After all, this isn’t just about finding spare seats. Schools need proper training, enough staff, and the right resources to meet the needs of every learner. As Emma Morgan from SEN Reform NI explained, it’s about placing children in the right classroom—with the right support—where they feel they belong.

Many schools want to help. With timely support from the EA and the Department of Education, they can grow their SEN provision confidently and sustainably.

Tribunal Appointments: A Positive Step Forward

Justice Minister Naomi Long recently announced new lay appointments to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST). This move comes at a time when more families are appealing for the support their children need. These appointments will help ease the backlog and improve access to justice.

That said, families should not have to go to tribunal just to access basic support. While this step helps in the short term, it also signals the need for wider change.

Still, we welcome the Minister’s action. SENDIST plays a key role in protecting children’s rights. Therefore, we’re pleased to see recognition of the need for additional capacity in this area.

Looking Ahead: Collaboration is Key

We’ll keep advocating for a system that includes every child, supports every school, and plans for every year—not just for September.

We know there are no easy solutions. Nevertheless, when we work together—early, openly, and consistently—we can make real progress. After all, collaboration between families, educators, officials, and communities is not just helpful; it is essential.

At the same time, ARC NI continues to champion a system built on partnership and inclusion. In the long run, we believe in proactive planning—not reactive fixes. To that end, our vision is clear, and our commitment is strong.

We believe in a future where:

• Every child secures a clear, timely school placement.
• Schools receive the training and resources they need to meet diverse needs.
• Families feel informed, respected, and truly valued at every stage.

Finally, we’ll keep advocating—for a system that includes every child, supports every school, and plans for the future, not just for September.