To ask the Minister of Education whether any assessment has been made of changing the supernumerary status for children with a statement of Special Educational Needs.

A public consultation in 2025 sought views on a proposal to move away from the longstanding practice of treating children with a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) as supernumerary for the duration of their time in mainstream schools.

The consultation responses showed strong support for a change in approach and my Department subsequently announced a phased removal of supernumerary status for these children.

From September 2026, children with a statement of SEN will be treated as supernumerary for the year of admission only, rather than throughout their time at school. This represents an initial step towards the long-term removal of the supernumerary designation, subject to further consideration.

This change reflects the need to ensure that arrangements for managing school enrolments remain effective and sustainable in the context of increasing numbers of children with a statement of SEN, while supporting a fair and transparent admissions framework.

The revised approach relates solely to how pupils are accounted for within enrolment numbers and does not affect statutory assessment, placement decisions or the support provided to children with SEN. Children will continue to be placed in provision appropriate to their needs.