Parents in Northern Ireland are reporting feelings of "frustrated" and "anxious" about school placement offers for children with special educational needs (SEN). This comes as demand for SEN school places is outstripping available capacity.
One family, whose four-year-old daughter Lottie has severe learning difficulties, could not secure a place at a SEN school. The Education Authority (EA) acknowledged the family's concerns, noting that rising demand has led to many special schools being at or close to capacity.
Another family in Belfast declined a primary one placement offer for their four-year-old son, Joel, due to the distance of over 30 miles each way. Joel, who is non-verbal and has severe learning difficulties, was offered a specialist provision in mainstream (SPIM) place in Antrim, despite his family living in east Belfast.
The Department of Education has stated its commitment to supporting children with SEN but highlighted that the need for investment "continues to grow, and the department simply cannot meet this pressure" with current funding. The education minister has requested £70m per year for the next decade for an executive-led SEN Capital Investment Programme.
Both Lottie and Joel's parents are preparing to challenge their children's placements through a tribunal. Northern Ireland's children's commissioner, Chris Quinn, has expressed frustration over the ongoing issues with school places and transport for children with SEN.