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Local support in Northern Ireland

Special educational needs in Northern Ireland: where to begin

In Northern Ireland, the school usually begins support and the Education Authority manages statutory SEN processes. Health and family support sit in separate regional systems, so knowing which body does what saves time.

Sources checked 14 August 2026Next review 14 August 2027
A warm illustrated Northern Irish landscape of a lough, green drumlins, wooded islands and a small settlement.
Stylised illustration representing the area's character, not an exact photograph of a landmark or service location.

How support is organised in Northern Ireland

If your child is struggling at school, begin with the class teacher, pastoral lead or special educational needs coordinator. Describe the practical difficulty and ask what the school can put in place now. Support can begin through the school's SEN arrangements without waiting for a statutory assessment.

Try to separate the outcome you need from the process you think might deliver it. A quieter place to work, clearer instructions or help returning after absence may be urgent even while longer assessment questions remain open.

Schools identify and support many special educational needs through their own staged arrangements. The Education Authority provides regional SEN services and manages statutory assessment and statementing where a child may need provision beyond what the school can normally arrange.

Health services are delivered through Health and Social Care trusts. The trust involved depends on where you live and the particular service. Family Support NI provides a regional directory of registered services, and SENAC offers independent advice about education rights and processes.

The Department of Education sets the policy and legal framework but does not manage an individual child's case. Questions about a current assessment or provision should normally go to the school or the relevant Education Authority team.

Urgent help

Lifeline crisis support

Lifeline provides confidential crisis support in Northern Ireland. Call 999 if life is at immediate risk.

Visit Lifeline crisis support

National organisations and independent advice

Department of Education Northern Ireland

The department publishes the SEN policy and Code of Practice; it does not manage individual cases.

Visit website

Education Authority

The regional body for SEN services, statutory assessment and statements.

Visit website

SENAC

Independent advice and advocacy about SEN education.

Visit website

Northern Ireland Direct

Official crisis information and Lifeline contact details.

Visit website

National guidance and support

Education Authority SEN information

Education Authority

Regional information about school SEN support, Education Authority services and statutory processes.

Who it is for: Children and young people in Northern Ireland who have or may have special educational needs.

How to access it: Begin with the school for current support. Use the Education Authority guidance and online services for statutory processes.

Check current details

SENAC education advice

SENAC

Independent advice and advocacy on SEN education rights and processes in Northern Ireland.

Who it is for: Parents and carers of children with special educational needs in Northern Ireland.

How to access it: Check SENAC’s current advice and contact arrangements online.

Check current details

Practical next steps

Ask the school to explain the current SEN stage, the support in place and the date it will be reviewed. Request copies of relevant plans and make sure your child's experience is represented, especially if their needs are less visible in school than at home.

If a statutory assessment is being considered, use the Education Authority's current guidance and online services rather than relying on an old form or second-hand timescale. Independent advice can help you understand the evidence and express your concerns clearly.

For health or family support, identify the correct trust or directory entry before making a referral. If you are passed between services, note who you spoke to and ask each service to state the next route it recommends.

Related FamilyFX help

Library articleSchool Support Scotland Wales Northern IrelandUnderstand the school support framework in Northern Ireland.Library articleSend Rights Scotland Wales Northern IrelandUse the correct national rights and process language.Library articleKeeping A Record For School And Gp MeetingsPrepare a concise record for the school or EA.

Sources and checking dates

Local services change. We check the sources below and review any substantive change before altering the page.