Education Minister Paul Givan detailed a funding package to assist schools in creating specialist provision for pupils with special educational needs in mainstream settings starting 2026. The package funds teaching and non-teaching staff costs centrally through the Education Authority budget. Schools receive around 20000 pounds for initial furniture and equipment plus 3000 pounds per class for resources.

In 2025, 70232 children and young people in Northern Ireland had special educational needs, or 19.8 percent of the school population. More than 58000 of those pupils attended mainstream schools.

Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty asked Givan about assistance for school leaders integrating specialist provision as standard in mainstream education. The minister confirmed Education Authority services provide self-assessments, action planning, staff training, group facilitation and referrals.

Schools launching provision in 2026 qualify for extra elements of the package. Those with existing units access the staff funding, setup grant and resources allocation from 2026.

The measures form part of the SEN Reform Agenda that Givan launched in February 2025. The agenda includes a five-year delivery plan to ensure support from appropriate personnel at suitable times and places.