The Rise of Special Educational Needs in Primary Schools Across Northern Ireland and England

In recent years, both Northern Ireland and England have seen a marked increase in the number of primary school pupils identified with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This upward trend raises important questions about how schools can best support these pupils and what resources are available to families. Let’s explore what SEND is, why the numbers are rising, how schools and teachers can help — and what the process is for getting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place for children who need one.