The Lagan Valley MLA said: “The crisis concerning SEN in our schools has reached a critical point. It goes beyond just the number of children without a school placement for the new academic year this September.
“It also includes children who have been assigned a place on paper but won’t be able to start full-time. Some may not begin school until October, November, December, or even later, due to unprepared classrooms or the absence of staff.
“Through an FOI request sent to the Education Authority, I know as of 21 August 2025, there were 48 children across 14 schools who may potentially be unable to start school at the beginning of September 2025, due to their place not being ready in time.
“Additionally, there are around 100 children across 23 schools who may not initially be able to attend school full-time. There are also 2488 children currently undergoing statutory assessment to determine if they require a statement of special educational needs.
“It's unacceptable that too many children with SEN are missing out on the high-quality education they deserve because our current education system is not designed to support them.
“This crisis, which we talk about year after year, requires everyone in the sector to step up and work together, including the EA, schools, the Department and others. Our children deserve to have the support in place that will enable them to reach their full potential.”
“It also includes children who have been assigned a place on paper but won’t be able to start full-time. Some may not begin school until October, November, December, or even later, due to unprepared classrooms or the absence of staff.
“Through an FOI request sent to the Education Authority, I know as of 21 August 2025, there were 48 children across 14 schools who may potentially be unable to start school at the beginning of September 2025, due to their place not being ready in time.
“Additionally, there are around 100 children across 23 schools who may not initially be able to attend school full-time. There are also 2488 children currently undergoing statutory assessment to determine if they require a statement of special educational needs.
“It's unacceptable that too many children with SEN are missing out on the high-quality education they deserve because our current education system is not designed to support them.
“This crisis, which we talk about year after year, requires everyone in the sector to step up and work together, including the EA, schools, the Department and others. Our children deserve to have the support in place that will enable them to reach their full potential.”