Special Educational Needs (SEN) Services in Lisburn and Castlereagh
Lisburn and Castlereagh offers dedicated SEND support in a growing district council area in Northern Ireland, blending urban centres like Lisburn with surrounding suburban and rural communities, which helps shape accessible services for families across diverse settings. With a population projected to grow faster than the Northern Ireland average - reaching new residents including through positive international migration trends - the area is preparing for increasing needs through its Performance Improvement Plan, focusing on better outcomes and community collaboration. Parents can find impartial guidance from the Special Educational Needs Advice Centre (SENAC), a reassuring first step in navigating local options without feeling alone in the process.
JakTrack steps in as your trusted companion right here in Lisburn and Castlereagh, helping families feel prepared and supported amid the area's growing needs and diverse communities by quietly building a clear picture of your child's daily patterns over time. Starting early means you arrive at SENAC consultations or statement processes feeling truly in control, with reassuring insights that make every step less daunting. It's that gentle sense of partnership, turning uncertainty into quiet confidence for you and your family. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEN Provision
54
Schools
5
Specialist
10
SPiM Schools
22,357
Total Pupils
2,102 pupils
2,623 pupils
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Lisburn and Castlereagh 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.
Special Educational Needs Advice Centre (SENAC)
SEN Team
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Speech & Language Therapy
South Eastern HSC Trust (SEHSCT) Children's Speech & Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
South Eastern HSC Trust (SEHSCT) Children's Occupational Therapy
Schools
Beechlawn School
Special0% SENBrookfield School
Special0% SENLongstone School
Special0% SENParkview School
Special0% SENTor Bank School
Special0% SENOld Warren Primary School, Lisburn
Primary20.1% SENMillennium Integrated Primary School, Saintfield
Primary15% SENKnockmore Primary School, Lisburn
Primary13.3% SENSeymour Hill Primary School, Belfast
Primary13% SENFort Hill Integrated Primary School, Lisburn
Primary12% SENBrooklands Primary School, Belfast
Primary10.6% SENCarryduff Primary School, Belfast
Primary9.1% SENCarr Primary School, Lisburn
Primary8.6% SENBallymacward Primary School, Lisburn
Primary7.6% SENSt Colman's Primary School, Lisburn
Primary3% 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 Lisburn and Castlereagh.
Navigating SEND in Lisburn and Castlereagh?
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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