As the new school year starts, some children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are still without a confirmed school place, highlighting persistent gaps in the system, the Children’s Commissioner has said.
Despite the new school year beginning, six children still do not have a school place for September 2025 and a further 100 are on contingency arrangements because their schools are not ready to receive them.
Chris Quinn, said: “This is an issue I have been dealing with since taking up post and my predecessors were the same.
“Year after year, families are left without certainty, and children are denied their right to an education. Who is supporting these parents and their children in the meantime.
“Every single one of these children deserves an appropriate school place, the right support, and the opportunity to learn alongside their peers.
“This is their right, and the system must deliver it.”
The Commissioner continued: “I am extremely concerned that, in the absence of meaningful engagement at the highest level, the same failures will continue to be repeated.
“These children and families cannot wait any longer for urgent solutions.”
“Under my statutory duty to keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice affecting children’s rights and welfare, I have written to the Chief Executive to raise serious concerns.
“I have requested clear answers on school and nursery placements, contingency arrangements, and transport provision, as well as clarity on reduced timetables, communication with parents and schools, and a formal response to our report on inclusive education.”
NICCY’s latest report, Every Child’s Right to Inclusive Education; Specialist Provisions in Mainstream Schools, highlights the risks of short-term, emergency planning and calls for urgent, strategic action to ensure no child is left without a suitable place in September 2026.
NICCY is calling on the Education Authority to provide immediate assurances to families, and to set out a credible long-term plan to guarantee that every child can access their right to education.