At SENAC we help children get the right support in school…
Practical information and advice on getting help and support in school for children with learning difficulties and special educational needs (SEN).
SENAC advises on the NI statutory SEN system.Our service is independent and confidential.
GET YOUR CHILD THE HELP THEY NEED…
1: My child is struggling in school, what can I do?
If you feel your child is struggling at school, you should first speak to the class teacher and/or the SENCo to find out the view of the school. SENAC have…
2: How to request a statutory assessment of my child’s needs in school?
What is a Statutory Assessment? A statutory assessment is a full assessment of your child’s educational needs which is carried out by the Education Authority (EA) at Stage 4 of…
3: What is a Statement?
A Statement of Special Educational Needs (Statement) is a legal document which sets out a child’s educational needs and outlines how the Education Authority (EA) will meet those needs in…
4: How long should it take to complete a Statutory Assessment?
If the Education Authority agree that your child needs a statutory assessment the process should be carried out within 26 weeks. To view Timeline for Statutory Assessment (stages 4 &…
5: What is an IEP? Individual Education Plan
Individual Education Plans are written by the school usually when a child is on Stage 2,3,4 and 5 of the Sen Code of Practice. An IEP is a detailed plan…
6: What will happen at the Annual Review and transition planning?
What is an Annual Review? All Statements of Special Educational Needs (Statement) are reviewed within a period of twelve months to ensure that the child or young person’s needs are…
7: My child is on a reduced timetable, what can I do?
All children of compulsory school age are entitled to a full-time education in line with legislation. It is unlawful for a school to discriminate against a pupil for a reason…
8: How do I provide parental information for statutory assessment?
Parental representations When you receive a ‘Notice of Consideration’ letter from the Education Authority (EA) saying that they are considering carrying out a Statutory Assessment you will be asked for…
9: How can I get transport arranged?
Where children have special transport needs, officers of the Education Authority (EA) will assess the child’s needs by taking medical and other advice as required and make appropriate arrangements. Transport…
10: Can I make a complaint to the Education Authority?
Making a complaint to the Education Authority There are a number of ways you can make a comment or complaint to the Education Authority (EA) in person by telephone by…
11: Can I appeal a decision made by the Education Authority?
In particular situations, some matters are appealable. For example, if you do not agree with a decision made about the special education provision your child has been offered by the Education…
12: Can I ask the EA for a reassessment of my child’s educational needs?
You can ask for a statutory re-assessment if: you believe that your child’s needs have changed since the last Statement was issued, or if you believe that a different kind…
About us
The Special Educational Needs Advice Centre (SENAC) is a regional charity set up in 2003. We provide confidential, independent advice and advocacy on behalf of children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN) attending schools in Northern Ireland.
SENAC places the focus on the needs of the child and works with parents, schools and education bodies to ensure that children receive the right support and resources according to their learning needs.
Donations Make a Huge Difference
Thanks to our funders and the generosity of the public SENAC have been able to provide a free service to parents since 2003. SENAC do not receive any statutory funding and are therefore very grateful for all donations, large or small.
