The Education Authority has issued a statement saying that more than 93% of all children with a statement of special educational needs have a confirmed place in school or nursery.
Figures from July 3 say that there are 394 children are who awaiting a confirmed placement in school or nursery next year, including 62 P7 children, 76 P1 and 10 who are in nursery.
There are also seven children in Special Schools which don’t extend beyond either Foundation, KS1 or KS4 and who will therefore require a new placement and do not have one yet.
Read more: Parents' frustration over 'lack of communication' from Education Authority on school places
A total of 239 children outside of Transition Years who have been identified for a change of place who are yet to have one confirmed, with the EA saying all children waiting placement within this group are currently enrolled in a school that remains available, but a change of place has been recommended through statutory assessment or Annual Review to better suit their needs.
It comes as parents of children with special and complex needs have complained over a lack of communication from the Education Authority regarding school and nursery placements.
A spokesperson for the Education Authority said: “More than 93% of all children with a statement of Special Educational Need (SEN) now have a confirmed place. Consultation is ongoing with parents/carers and schools for the remaining pupils.
“We absolutely recognise that this is an extremely anxious time for those parents/carers and children waiting for the confirmation of a school place.
“The Education Authority (EA) is working to ensure all children will be placed appropriately as soon as possible and commits to keeping parents/carers informed of progress regarding their child’s school placement.
“Supporting children with SEN and ensuring all children with statements receive a placement which fully meets their needs to ensure that they are happy, learning and succeeding, remains a top priority.”
There are 39 special schools in Northern Ireland with 32 of these offering a nursery provision, however a number of these, less than five, will not have this provision in the 2023/24 school year.
These schools are of a high demand for primary one places and the EA has said that since September 2021, it has increased capacity in Special Schools by 111 classrooms and in mainstream schools for pupils with SEN by 101 new classes.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll has expressed alarm over revelations that more than 390 children with special educational needs (SEN) are waiting on a suitable school place for September.
“Children with special educational needs are suffering the consequences of long-term political neglect,” Mr Carroll said.
“Education Minister after Education Minister watched demand for special schools skyrocket, yet planning and investment in the sector has been virtually non-existent.
“Like many others, the 390 children waiting on a suitable school place are now caught in the crosshairs of a Tory government that has cut funding for SEN and other public services to the bone.
“The Education Authority won’t be able to stay within the confines of the budget if it wants to meet its statutory obligations. All children have a right to a suitable education and children with SEN cannot be left behind.
“Urgent investment in SEN, starting with a pay rise for striking education workers who care for these pupils, is the only way this alarming shortfall in suitable school places."
He concluded: “Parents should continue to protest and workers in the sector should continue their strike action until this investment is delivered.”
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