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The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
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Special Educational Needs Advice Centre

  • Status

    Received: on time

  • Income

    £215.8K

  • Spending

    £132.0K

Charity no. 101355 Company no. 48698 Date registered. 20/02/2015

Public benefits

The Trustees believe that our purpose satisfies both elements of the public benefit requirement. The direct benefits which flow from the organisation’s purpose are improved and appropriate education provision and support for a child and young adult’s individual special educational needs and a more positive educational experience. These benefits

are demonstrated through individual casework examples demonstrating secured access to additional education support and interventions, improved individual education plans and statements of special educational needs, as well as feedback and evaluations from the children and young people and their parents. SENAC’s internal database records baseline information and outcomes for those SENAC supports and also enables the production of reports demonstrating both qualitative and quantitative data related to the benefits. The charity’s beneficiaries are children and young adults up to the age of 19 years with special educational needs throughout Northern Ireland.

What your organisation does

The organisation provides independent advice, information and advocacy on all aspects of special educational needs and education provision for children and young people throughout Northern Ireland. To achieve this SENAC undertakes a range of charitable activities which include: provision of a confidential education advice line offering direct and

immediate advice; access to advisors and advocates who provide ongoing support and guidance to progress the children’s educational interests relevant to their individual needs and provide direct advocacy and representation in meetings with schools and education authorities in relation to special educational needs provision as required for individual children. The organisation also provides an information service directly promoting our independent advice services to schools, family and support groups and other relevant organisations and agencies. The organisation also promotes and advocates for improved quality and equality in relation to special educational needs on a broader policy basis. SENAC also provide a range of relevant resources, information sessions and maintains a web presence with social media and a dedicated website. Special educational needs provision for all children and young people in Northern Ireland is founded within a statutory legal framework which exists as a separate system within education and applied by all schools and education authorities. The advice and representation provided by SENAC is legally based and provides the independent guidance and support necessary to advance and protect children’s rights and needs within this area.

The charity’s classifications

  • The advancement of education

Who the charity helps

  • Children (5-13 year olds)
  • Learning disabilities
  • Parents
  • Preschool (0-5 year olds)
  • Sensory disabilities
  • Youth (14-25 year olds)

How the charity works

  • Advice/advocacy/information

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 March 2024

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 March 2023

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 March 2022

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charitable purposes

To promote and advance education of children and young adults particularly by providing advice and assistance on children’s special educational needs and conducting and disseminating research and information on such special education and to provide representation at Tribunal and such other legal representation.

Governing document

Memorandum and Articles

Other name

SENAC
  • 5 Trustees
  • 8 Employees
  • 1 Volunteers

Contact details

Public address

  • Heather Larkin, Graham House, Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Saintfield Road, Belfast, BT8 8BH

Trustee board

Trustee
Mrs Susan Mcbride
Mr Tom Godfrey
Mr Mark Mc Cusker
Mrs Roisin O'hare
Ms Emma Murphy

List of regions

  • In Northern Ireland