Responding to an update from the Education Authority on SEN provision, announcing 1,374 additional SEN places for the 2025-26 school year, and pushing for all NI schools to be involved in providing for children with Special Educational Needs, Dr Graham Gault, NAHT(NI) National Secretary, said:

“The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) Northern Ireland acknowledges the Education Authority's efforts to expand Special Educational Needs provision for the 2025-26 school year, creating 1,374 additional places, and we applaud the schools that have overcome significant challenges to make these spaces available. We take strong exception, however, to any suggestion that school leaders and their staff require motivation to support children with Special Educational Needs.

“School leaders have always supported, and continue to support, children with Special Educational Needs every single day. To suggest otherwise is disingenuous and fails to recognise the extraordinary dedication shown by principals, teachers and support staff across Northern Ireland who work tirelessly to ensure every child receives the education they deserve.”

“Our members are committed professionals who have never wavered in their determination to provide the best possible outcomes for all children, including those with Special Educational Needs," said Joanne Whyte, President of NAHT Northern Ireland. "The implication that schools need to be inspired or encouraged to do what they have always done undermines the incredible work happening in classrooms across Northern Ireland every day."

Dr Gault continued: “While we acknowledge the Education Authority has worked within extremely challenging circumstances to expand SEN provision, the fundamental issue remains chronic underfunding of education by the Northern Ireland Executive. The 51% increase in children with statements of SEN since 2017-18, compared to just a 3.5% increase in overall pupil numbers, demonstrates the scale of need that schools are being asked to meet without adequate resources.

“The fact that only 26% of mainstream schools currently offer specialist provision is not due to lack of will or commitment from school leaders. Complex systemic issues prevent schools from taking on Specialist Provision classes, and these barriers must be properly understood and addressed.”