The Education Authority has confirmed that a range of helplines and online information is available for families as the new school year begins, covering school transport, special educational needs, free school meals, uniform grants and admissions.

More than 1,100 additional places for children with special educational needs have been created across mainstream and special schools to meet growing demand. The authority said planning for the new term included transport services across more than 5,000 routes.

Richard Pengelly, chief executive of the Education Authority, said that while many children and young people look forward to the opportunities of a new school year, it can also be a time of uncertainty. He noted this is particularly true for parents whose children are starting a new school, travelling independently for the first time or requiring extra support.

Staff across the authority and schools had been working to prepare for September, Mr Pengelly said, and the work to create additional SEN places would continue over the coming days and weeks. He added that information, advice and support remains available for families.

Around 92,000 pupils are eligible for free school meals and uniform grants. The authority provides daily transport for approximately 96,000 children and serves more than 160,000 school meals. Its ICT systems support over 320,000 pupils, and youth services reach almost 227,000 young people.

Full details of the support, including dedicated helplines, are available through the Back to School section of the Education Authority website. Families were also advised to check any information issued directly by their child’s school regarding opening arrangements.