The EA has launched its new operational plan for 2024-26 which states that in the next decade the number of pupils in schools in the region will decrease, but the total of children with identified additional needs will rise.
The plan aims to address key priorities in primary, special and post-primary education, with a focus on meeting the increasing demand for SEN places.
It covers the period from September 2024 to August 2026, with deferred publication.
The EA, responsible for the day-to-day running of the education system, has projected there will be 14,158 fewer pupils in primary schools in Northern Ireland by 2035.
However, it said by 2032 there will be an additional 1,648 special school places required and 3,584 extra places will be needed for children with SEN within mainstream schools.
Education Minister Paul Givan has previously announced funding to build more special schools and facilities for children with SEN in mainstream schools (Liam McBurney/PA)
The EA said its plan included a number of work streams to inform schools about how the educational requirements will change in coming years.
It said it wanted to address capacity issues to “seek to ensure all pupils have access to a placement at their nearest suitable school”.
The EA said that there is “now a critical and imminent requirement” for all schools to include pupils with identified additional needs in their provision.
Assistant director of education for the EA Seamus Bradley said the plan will help to develop a “SEN first” approach to area planning.
He said: “Given the changing pupil profile, all schools will continue to plan how they can best meet the needs of all children, particularly those with special educational needs.
“We need to ensure there are sufficient places in both special schools and specialist provision in mainstream schools to effectively meet the needs of local communities.
“EA and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), alongside sectoral partners, are keen to explore options and solutions with schools during the lifespan of this plan to begin the process of shaping our educational landscape.
“I would ask that schools, families and communities join us on this journey and engage in this important work to achieve effective and sustainable solutions for future provision, which will deliver the best educational outcomes for all children and young people.”
Mr Bradley said a “critical focus” of the plan is to engage with schools, parents and communities to discuss their future needs, and to ensure that children with special educational needs have access to an appropriate place at their nearest suitable school.
Northern Ireland’s Education Minister Paul Givan has previously announced plans to build a number of new special schools and to provide funding for more SEN provision within mainstream schools.