Independent Review of Special Educational Needs Service and Processes in Northern Ireland

Ipsos was appointed by the Department of Education (Northern Ireland, (DE)) to undertake an independent review of Special Educational Needs (SEN) services and processes in Northern Ireland. 

The over-arching aim of this review was to understand whether the SEN provision and current processes are fit for purpose, in terms of progress made by children, impact on children’s outcomes and whether the services can be delivered more effectively and efficiently across schools in Northern Ireland.  The review involved multiple strands of work:

• Desk based research including the analysis of statistical datasets and analysis of DE and Education Authority (EA) data¹;  
• Engaging with schools via in-depth interviews2, a focus group with Special School Leaders and an online survey³;
• Engaging with key stakeholders via depth interviews⁴;
• Engaging via a deliberative consultation event with parents who have experience of SEN services and processes⁵; and
• Engaging with young people who have experience of SEN services and processes via online, small group interviews⁶.

The fieldwork for the review took place between April 2022 and September 2022.  Both the DE and the EA were fully engaged in the review and supported the review process.

The review highlighted that both the school population and the proportion of pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs (NI), has increased which in turn has placed additional pressures on systems and services such as Educational Psychology and Pupil Support services and on education budgets.  Both parents and young people who participated in the review noted the difficulties they experienced in accessing appropriate SEN services and supports.  School staff highlighted the extensive administrative burden associated with the administration of SEN processes.

The review generated 42 recommendations relating to the administration of SEN, the provision of services and staff training and workforce development.

• Read the review on the department's website

Technical note
On behalf of the Department of Education (Northern Ireland), Ipsos undertook a programme of research across Northern Ireland consisting of multiple strands of work, as follows:

1. The desk research included the analysis of statistical datasets such as the Northern Ireland School Census and DE and EA management information
2. Depth interviews with 35 Principals and SEN Co-ordinators (SENCOs) across 35 educational establishments (primary, post-primary and Education Other Than School (EOTAS)) centres. Face-to-face and online depth interviews were carried out between 25th May and 23rd September 2023.
3. An invitation to take part in an online survey was issued to principals across all (1,151) schools in Northern Ireland.  Principals across a representative sample of  182 schools (primary, post primary and EOTAS) took part . The survey was open for responses from 9th June to 9th September 2022).
4. 53 depth interviews were completed  with Directors and board members from DE, EA and senior representatives from Community and Voluntary Sector organisations who provide services for children with SEN or advocate on their behalf. Online and face-to-face interviews were carried out between 27th April and 23rd September 2022.
5. An online deliberative event held on 23rd August 2022 attended by 49 parents of children with SEN and with lived experience of the SEN systems and processes within the past five years.
6. 14 young people (aged between 16 and 21) who had lived experience of the SEN systems and processes participated in four small group, online interviews between 15th and 22nd September 2022.  The young people were recruited via voluntary and community sector organisations and via parents who took part in the deliberative event.