Country information for UK (Northern Ireland) - Financing of inclusive education systems

Under the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Framework, statutory responsibility for securing provision for learners with SEN rests with both schools and the Education Authority (EA). Under special education legislation, they are responsible for identifying, assessing and, in appropriate cases, making provision for learners with SEN. For certain health related provisions, the Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) will also be involved in delivering services.

The EA determines the level of funding for special education as part of its annual decision about the allocation of its block grant. Special schools have partially delegated budgets, with all pupil-related costs being retained centrally by the EA.

A large number of projects and initiatives which offer additional funding to support aspects of inclusive education exist across government departments and other sectors, such as charitable organisations (Source: IECE Country Questionnaire – UK (Northern Ireland), p. 17).

Last updated 18/02/2020