Consistent with the Framework for Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools and the Special Education Strategic Area Plan 2022-27: Planning for Special Education Provision, and through the associated Operational Plan 1: 2022-24, a number of short and medium term workstreams for Specialist Provision in Mainstream Schools were identified.
The priorities within Operational Plan 1: 2022-24 are to ensure that there is sufficient capacity as well as seeking to address geographical, sectoral and linguistic inconsistencies, however, there still exists special educational needs pressures and demand for places, as evidenced in setting up resource provisions in September 2023 and also projected need for September 2024 and beyond.
The Education Authority is engaging in consultation as it seeks to establish/change specialist provision (Specialist Provision for Early Years and Foundation, Learning and Social Communication) classes in nursery, primary and post-primary schools, including those at your school. Therefore, we are seeking your views on the proposal for approval of specialist provision class(es) at your school in order that we meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs.
We would like to hear the views of parents, staff, governors, and pupils in relation to the inclusion of specialist provision classes within your school.
A consultation document on the specialist provision in your school will be available on 5 October 2023 at:
https://www.eani.org.uk/school-management/area-planning/proposed-specialist-provision
The Education Authority welcomes all responses and would encourage you to respond with your views and comments via the MS form available on the above link.
