To ask the Minister of Education whether he plans to increase the number of specialist placements to deal with children with a Statement for Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing Needs.

The Education Authority (EA) through its special educational needs (SEN) Capacity Team is building on progress made last year when it created over 1,450 additional special education provision places in both special and mainstream schools.

The Capacity Team has commenced work in identifying and creating anticipated additional places required in preparation for September 2025. The EA has also recently published its Operational Plan 2 (2024-26) (OP2) which has a ‘SEN first’ focus and details at Local Government District (LGD) level what provision will be required during its lifespan.

The type of placement for children with statements of SEN, irrespective of what is detailed as the overarching need in their statement, is based on recommendations of the EA’s Education Psychology Service (EPS).