The Education Authority has invited principals from 70 schools across Northern Ireland to discuss establishing specialist provision classes for children with special educational needs. These classes aim to meet demand by September 2026.

Education Minister Paul Givan wrote to schools in recent weeks about the challenge of SEN placements and the need for solutions. Schools in areas with high SEN demand received formal communication from the Education Authority about setting up these classes. The 70 schools include 50 primary schools and 20 post-primary schools, among them four grammar schools.

Selection criteria included location and available capacity for September 2026. Education Authority staff will visit the schools to present evidence, outline options and start discussions. The authority provides support such as funding for staff, training, premises work and payments.

The Education Authority has worked with mainstream schools over months to add specialist classes. The long-term goal covers all mainstream schools in all sectors.

Separately, politicians welcomed confirmation that special educational needs summer schemes will run this summer after earlier concerns. Paul Givan stated the schemes support children with complex needs and families. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt confirmed nursing support for each site and ongoing work for year-round health care in special schools.

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason for South Down called for explanations from the education and health ministers on the initial decision. SDLP MLA Colin McGrath noted distress caused to families by the handling.