What are Special Educational Needs (SEN) in Northern Ireland?

What the current framework is

Northern Ireland has its own SEN framework. The Department of Education states that the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, SENDO 2005 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 form key parts of the legal framework. The 1998 Code of Practice and its 2005 Supplement remain the operative statutory guidance while the newer draft Code and Regulations are not yet operational.

How schools record support now

Education Authority guidance uses three stages for recording SEN provision: Stage 1 is school-delivered special educational provision, Stage 2 adds external provision such as EA or Health and Social Care support, and Stage 3 is for a pupil with a Statement of SEN.

What parents can do first

1. Ask the class teacher and the school SEN coordinator or Learning Support Coordinator what concerns have been identified.
2. Ask what special educational provision is already in place and how progress is being reviewed.
3. Request a copy or explanation of the child’s IEP or Personal Learning Plan if one is being used.
4. Keep a dated record of meetings, support tried, progress and professional advice.

A diagnosis is not the starting point

Educational support should be based on identified needs and barriers to learning. A private or medical diagnosis can be useful evidence, but school support should not be postponed simply because a child is waiting for a diagnostic assessment.