In a significant step towards enhancing educational inclusivity, Education Minister Paul Givan has today announced the publication of a new Policy Statement on Special Educational Needs (SEN) in Northern Ireland.
The statement, designed to provide clarity on the region’s SEN framework, sets out a robust policy position, outlines legislative underpinnings, and defines the responsibilities of key stakeholders across the education system.
This move addresses the needs of nearly one in five pupils identified as having special educational needs, ensuring that the education system is better equipped to support them.
The newly released SEN Policy Statement aligns with the Children and Young People’s Strategy, the Programme for Government, and the recently introduced TransformED Strategy, which aims to create a world-leading education system that is equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all children.
The statement responds to calls from parents and stakeholders for greater transparency and consistency in how SEN support is delivered across Northern Ireland.
A framework for inclusive education
The SEN Policy Statement delivers on commitments outlined in the SEN Reform Agenda, published earlier this year, which promised to clarify the existing policy and legislative framework. It builds on the legal foundations provided by current legislation and the Code of Practice, aiming to ensure that support systems work more effectively for children and their families.
Speaking about the importance of the new policy, Minister Givan said:
“The facts are clear: nearly one in five pupils in Northern Ireland has been identified as having a Special Educational Need. We must ensure our services, staff and systems are equipped and empowered to deliver effectively for the growing number of children requiring support to thrive.
“Having a Statement which clearly sets out legislative requirements and policy objectives, provides the framework within which the effectiveness of current support models can be assessed and, where appropriate, changed to better meet the needs of children with SEN.”
The statement comes as part of an ongoing End to End Review of SEN, during which parents and stakeholders highlighted the need for a clearer policy position.
The Minister emphasised that the document is intended to make the existing framework—grounded in legislation, guided by the Code of Practice, and implemented across education and health systems—work more effectively and consistently.
“Throughout the End to End Review of SEN, parents and many stakeholders called for more clarity on the policy position on SEN,” Givan noted.
“This Policy Statement is about making the existing framework, grounded in legislation, guided by the Code of Practice and implemented across the education and health systems, work more effectively and consistently for every child and family.”
Putting children at the heart of reform
At the core of the SEN Policy Statement is a commitment to placing children and young people at the centre of the education system. The policy underscores the importance of listening to the voices of pupils with SEN and ensuring their rights are upheld. It also promotes collaboration between families, educators, health professionals, and the wider community to deliver tailored, inclusive education.
“We are placing children and young people at the centre of this work. Their voices and their rights matter,” Givan said.
“We are committed to working in partnership with families, educators, health professionals and the wider community to ensure that every child with SEN can access an education that is inclusive, ambitious and tailored to their individual needs.”
The statement is part of a broader five-year Delivery Plan, published in February 2025, which outlines actionable steps to improve SEN provision across Northern Ireland. Together, these initiatives reflect the government’s ambition to create an education system that is equitable and excellent, capable of meeting the diverse needs of all learners in an ever-changing world.
A collaborative effort
The development of the SEN Policy Statement involved extensive consultation with stakeholders, including parents, educators, and health professionals.
Minister Givan expressed his gratitude to those who contributed, stating:
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to the development of this Policy Statement. It reflects our shared commitment to inclusion, equity and excellence in education.”
The statement is available to read in full on the Department of Education’s website, alongside further details on the SEN Reform Agenda. The department encourages stakeholders to review the policy in conjunction with the five-year Delivery Plan to understand the comprehensive approach to SEN reform.
Looking ahead
The publication of the SEN Policy Statement marks a pivotal moment in Northern Ireland’s journey towards a more inclusive education system. By addressing the needs of the growing number of pupils with SEN, the government aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
As the SEN Reform Agenda progresses, stakeholders across the education and health sectors will continue to work together to implement the changes needed to make this vision a reality.