Special Educational Needs (SEN) Services in Derry City and Strabane
In Derry City and Strabane, a district blending urban life in Derry with rural communities across its 70,000 hectares, SEND support is shaped by higher levels of deprivation than most UK areas, which can influence access to services but also drives strong community efforts to help families. The Western Health and Social Care Trust SENDIASS (PIPS) offers impartial guidance tailored to this landscape, connecting parents to local resources amid challenges like elevated health needs. You're not alone - many families here navigate the system successfully with the right information and backing from groups like the Derry City & Strabane Parent Carer Forum.
That's where JakTrack comes in - it's designed to take the weight off your shoulders by capturing evidence from your everyday life and turning it into something you can actually use. Whether you're tracking sleep patterns, behaviour changes, or how your child manages meals, JakTrack organises everything in the background, so when you need it for benefit checks, SEN statement reviews, or appointments with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, you've got 90 days of solid evidence ready to go. Starting early means you're building this evidence base gradually, without the stress of scrambling to remember details when deadlines hit - you'll walk into every meeting feeling prepared and in control. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEN Provision
79
Schools
2
Specialist
17
SPiM Schools
28,281
Total Pupils
3,468 pupils
2,820 pupils
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Derry City and Strabane operates under the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005. Children here may receive a Statement of Special Educational Needs from the Education Authority.
Northern Ireland Support Organisations
These organisations can help families in Northern Ireland navigate the SEN system:
Free independent advice on special educational needs in Northern Ireland
The Education Authority manages all SEN statements and assessments
Legal advice and representation for children and young people in NI
Local Services & Contacts
SENAC / SEN Advice
Free, independent advice and support for families navigating SEN processes in Northern Ireland.
Western Health and Social Care Trust SENDIASS (PIPS)
SEN Team
Western Health & Social Care Trust SEND Co-ordinator Team
Speech & Language Therapy
Western Health & Social Care Trust Children's Speech & Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Western Health & Social Care Trust Children's Occupational Therapy
Schools
Ardnashee School and College
Special0% SENKnockavoe School
Special0% SENSt Catherine’s Primary School
Primary24.6% SENSt Mary's Primary School, Strabane
Primary19.8% SENGlendermott Primary School
Primary19.7% SENChapel Road Primary School, Londonderry
Primary18.5% SENSt Brigid's Primary School, Carnhill
Primary18.2% SENEglinton Primary School
Primary18% SENSt Oliver Plunkett Primary School, Strathfoyle
Primary16.7% SENSt Eugene's Primary School, Derry
Primary16.3% SENOakgrove Integrated Primary School
Primary15.1% SENEbrington Primary School
Primary14.1% SENSt Anne's Primary School, Londonderry
Primary14.1% SENLondonderry Model Primary School
Primary11.9% SENSteelstown Primary School, Londonderry
Primary11.2% SENGaelscoil Ui Dhochartaigh, Strabane
Primary10.7% SENSt Columba's Primary School, Clady
Primary9.5% SENDrumahoe Primary School
Primary7.7% SENHollybush Primary School, Culmore
Primary4.4% SENUnderstanding SEN provision in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland operates under the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005. It retains a Statement-based system with a five-stage Code of Practice. Here's what you need to know:
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Under the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (SENDO), a child has SEN if they have a learning difficulty that calls for special educational provision. Northern Ireland uses a five-stage Code of Practice - Stages 1-2 are school-based support, while Stage 3 involves a Statement of SEN from the Education Authority.
Statement of Special Educational Needs
Northern Ireland still uses Statements (similar to England's former system, now replaced by EHCPs there). A Statement is a legal document from the Education Authority setting out a child's needs and the provision required. It's maintained by the EA, not the school, and comes with appeal rights to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.
Specialist Provision in Mainstream (SPiM)
Some mainstream schools in Northern Ireland have specialist units - known as SPiM (Specialist Provision in Mainstream). These are dedicated classes within a mainstream school for children with specific needs, staffed by specialist teachers. Children benefit from both specialist support and mainstream social opportunities.
Grammar & Secondary Schools
Northern Ireland retains academic selection at age 11. Grammar schools are selective, while secondary (or "high") schools are non-selective. Both types have a SENCO and must provide SEN support. Grammar schools tend to have lower SEN rates but still have legal duties to identify and support children with SEN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families about SEND support in Derry City and Strabane.
Navigating SEND in Derry City and Strabane?
JakTrack helps you track evidence, prepare for Statement of Special Educational Needs reviews, check benefit eligibility, and stay on top of appointments - all in one place.
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