The SPECIAL EDUCATION service is responsible for identifying and assessing children who may have special educational needs and for securing appropriate provision for any child on whom a statutory assessment has been carried out, resulting in a statement of special educational needs. The procedure is carried out in accordance with the Education (N Ireland) Order 1996 and the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs.

In addition to a number of special schools and special units, a range of support services is provided to assist mainstream schools to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs. Further details are contained in the Board's Special Educational Needs Policy or are available from the Education Officer (Special Education).

The EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY section has a staffing equivalent of twenty one full-time psychologists. Services are provided at Stages 3 - 5 of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs and contact may be made through the Principal Educational Psychologist. Specialist services are also provided through the Behaviour Support Team and in bereavement and trauma counselling.

The EDUCATION WELFARE Service aims to provide support, in the widest sense, for children of school age and their families, in order that children have the benefit of maximum access to educational opportunity through regular attendance at school, or otherwise, and that parents fulfil their legal obligations regarding the education of their children. When appropriate specialist help is necessary, there is liaison with other agencies. Details of the services available to schools and families are contained within the Service Level Agreement. The Service also plays an important role in the supervision of young people in employment and the licensing of children and young people involved in entertainment.

The Service has a staffing equivalent of 27 full-time Education Welfare Officers, organised in teams on a geographical basis, and is managed by the Chief Education Welfare Officer.