Special educational needs

Under the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 as amended by the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, the statutory responsibility for securing provision for pupils with special educational needs rests with the Education and Library Boards and Boards of Governors of mainstream schools.

Special Educational Needs provision is matched to individual needs.  It may be made in special schools, special units attached to mainstream schools or in mainstream classes themselves.  

In Northern Ireland there are 45 special schools (including three hospital schools) and 170 special units attached to around 100 mainstream schools which cater for a wide range of special educational needs. The five Education and Library Boards also operate specialist “outreach” support services for children with literacy problems and behaviour difficulties.