Northern Ireland SEN stages explained: Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3

Stage 1: school-delivered provision

At Stage 1, the school remains responsible for teaching and learning and provides special educational provision, reasonable adjustments and additional strategies. Education Authority guidance says the majority of pupils with SEN will have their needs met at this stage.

Stage 2: school plus external provision

At Stage 2, the school continues its provision but external support may also be involved, for example from Education Authority services or a Health and Social Care Trust. A pupil can also be recorded at Stage 2 while a request for statutory assessment is being considered.

Stage 3: Statement of SEN

Stage 3 applies where the Education Authority has carried out statutory assessment and issued a Statement of SEN. Provision is then made by the school and EA, with relevant health or social-care input where identified.

What to ask at any stage

Ask what need has been identified, what provision is being delivered, who is responsible, how often it happens, what progress measure is being used and when the plan will be reviewed. The stage number alone is less important than whether the provision matches the child’s needs and is actually happening.

Important transition point in the law

The newer draft SEN Code is not currently operational. EA guidance says schools should continue to have regard to the 1998 Code and 2005 Supplement, while using the newer three-stage recording structure.