Education Authority

💡 Discover PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks – a Shared Education Podcast series - to hear real experiences of pupil voice, collaboration, and inclusion in action 📚🤝 Episodes explore how collaboration between schools and settings and communities can drive positive change. Follow the series and join the conversation to help shape the future of Shared Education. Don’t miss an episode! 🎧 🎙️ Perfect for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about making a difference! ➡️Spotify: ow.ly/FCHQ50X4ipT ➡️Amazon Music: ow.ly/UiPq50X4imq ➡️Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/kLzu50X4iil ➡️EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: ow.ly/7wMw50X4iR7 #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

EA teams have been working with the service provider Capita throughout the day, to support schools securely regain access to the system. We are making every effort to progress this as quickly as possible, particularly for pupils at critical points in the school year, whilst ensuring the system is secure. For this reason some services are not yet fully operational. We thank all service users for their continued patience. EA staff will continue to contact schools to help staff and pupils regain access to the system. Our helpdesk is available for schools each day between 8.30am–5.00pm. Schools will communicate directly with pupils about arrangements for regaining access as soon as this is possible. Further information for families is also available at eani.org.uk/faqs-for-schoo… We will continue to keep schools, parents and pupils updated via the EA website eani.org.uk and on our social media channels.

EA continues to engage with the C2K system provider, Capita, to minimise the impact on staff and pupils, following a recent cyber-attack. We are making positive progress towards restoring access to the schools’ C2K system. EA teams, along with the service provider Capita and colleagues in schools, have worked around the clock to rapidly develop and test a safe and secure solution. We have started to roll this out in schools, with initial priority given to post primary schools and pupils in exam years. Work will continue over the weekend and Easter period to restore access across the estate. Details of arrangements will be communicated to pupils by their school as soon as possible. We apologise for the unavoidable disruption, but would reassure users, this essential security measure was taken to maintain the integrity of the system and safety of all users. EA would like to thank schools and partners for their support as we continue monitor progress over coming days. We will continue to keep schools, parents/carers and pupils updated via EA website eani.org.uk and our social media channels.

🗣️ We’re asking for your views. The Education Authority has launched an 8-week public consultation on how classroom support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) could be improved. We want to hear from: 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents & carers 🎓 Pupils & young people 🏫 School staff 🤝 Partner organisations Your feedback will help shape how support is delivered in the future. We are hosting a number of events for each of our audience groups over the consultation period. What do I need to do? ✅Visit our website to view the full list of events and register for one that suits you. ✅Get involved in our consultation. 👉 ow.ly/c7fB50YAT6W 📅 The consultation is now open until 22 May 2026. #EAHaveYourSay #EnhancedSupportModel #SEN #EducationNI

Pupils from Kilcooley Primary School and Clifton School in Bangor have been embracing teamwork, diversity, new learning opportunities and building lasting friendships through the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Project. Read the full story ➡️ow.ly/nQ7F50YCMxQ #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

Work is continuing to safely restore access to C2K systems following the recent cyber incident. EA Teams, working closely with Capita and schools, have begun the process of resetting user passwords so staff and pupils can get back online as quickly and securely as possible. This will continue over the weekend. Priority is being given to post primary schools, particularly those supporting pupils in examination years, with progress being tracked throughout the process. Dedicated support is in place, including over the weekend, to assist schools and address any issues as they arise. We recognise the disruption this situation has caused for schools, staff, pupils and parents, and we will continue to provide updates as restoration work progresses. We would like to thank schools and all of our partners for their invaluable help and support at this time.

UPDATE ON CYBER SECURITY INCIDENT We can confirm that the C2k school system has been the target of a cyber attack. As soon as we became aware of the incident, the system managers, Capita, took immediate steps to contain the issue and begin a full investigation. The investigation is at an early stage, and we are not yet able to confirm whether any personal data has been affected. We are taking this very seriously and are engaging with the Information Commissioner's Office and relevant authorities as part of our response. As a critical security measure, a full password reset has been carried out across the school network. Capita is conducting further security tests, and access to the system is currently unavailable. We will update users on the arrangements for regaining access as soon as possible, including arrangements for password resets. These steps are essential in the context of maintaining the integrity and security of the system and the safety of all users. We understand and sincerely apologise for the impact on staff and pupils; particularly pupils who may be preparing for exams or completing coursework during the Easter period. We are working hard to resolve this problem as soon as possible. We will continue to share updates at eani.org.uk and on our social media channels.

✍️ Get Involved in our Public Consultation on the Enhanced Support Model As part of our 8-week Consultation, we are hosting The Case for Change conference event on Thursday 16th April. The conference is an opportunity for you to hear from experts in the field of SEN provision, as well as Principals, SENCos, and Classroom Assistants from schools across Northern Ireland who have already adopted a different approach to providing Special Educational Needs support. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about why we are seeking to implement the Enhanced Support Model and ask questions of those who have first-hand experience of the benefits of different models of support. Our morning event for School Practitioners is now SOLD OUT! If you would still like to attend, you can register for the Open Audience event in the afternoon. OPEN AUDIENCE (including Practitioners) 🕰️ Arrival for 1.30pm 2pm to 3:50pm 📍 Balmoral Hotel Belfast If this event doesn't suit you, we are hosting a number of other events throughout the consultation period, both in-person and online. A full schedule can be found on our website at the link below. Click here to register for the event, and to take part in the consultation 👉 ow.ly/7ZUH50YBQlE

UPDATE ON SCHOOL IT SYSTEMS ISSUE A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said: “The EA has been made aware by Capita of an IT security issue affecting its C2k system provided to schools in Northern Ireland. “Capita are currently investigating the issue and are carrying out a number of tests which will impact access. “We recognise this is causing inconvenience to users and we are committed to working with Capita to resolve the issues as quickly as possible. “However, these steps are essential in the context of maintaining the integrity and security of the system. “We will continue to share updates through our website: eani.org.uk and social media channels.”

Two-time world boxing champion Carl Frampton made a memorable appearance at a celebration event, presenting certificates to pupils from Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin and Cliftonville Integrated Primary School, who successfully completed their partnership activity for the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Shared Education project. Read the full story➡️ ow.ly/nzbm50YBIAL #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

🗣️ We’re asking for your views. The Education Authority has launched an 8-week public consultation on how classroom support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) could be improved. We want to hear from: 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents & carers 🎓 Pupils & young people 🏫 School staff 🤝 Partner organisations Your feedback will help shape how support is delivered in the future. We are hosting a number of events for each of our audience groups over the consultation period. What do I need to do? ✅Visit our website to view our Consultation Documents, now available in an Easy-Read and Irish Medium Version. ✅Check out our full list of events and register for one that suits you. ✅Get involved in our consultation. 👉 ow.ly/c7fB50YAT6W 📅 The consultation is now open until 22 May 2026. ----- 🗣️ Táimid ar lorg bhur dtuairimí. Tá an tÚdarás Oideachais i ndiaidh comhairliúchán poiblí 8 seachtaine a sheoladh ar bharúlacha maidir le tacaíocht sa seomra ranga do pháistí a bhfuil Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais (RSO) acu a fheabhsú. Ba mhaith linn cloisteáil ó: 👨‍👩‍👧 Tuismitheoirí & cúramóirí 🎓 Daltaí & daoine óga 🏫 Foireann scoile 🤝 Eagraíochtaí comhpháirtíochta Comhlánaigh an comhairliúchán agus agus cuidigh linn an soláthar a stiúradh amach anseo. 👉 ow.ly/c7fB50YAT6W 📅 Beidh an comhairliúchán oscailte go dtí an 22 Bealtaine 2026. #EAHaveYourSay #EnhancedSupportModel #SEN #EducationNI

⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️ Very strong winds across Northern Ireland Saturday 1400 – Sunday 0200 Latest info 👉 bit.ly/WxWarning Stay #WeatherAware⚠️

Yellow warning of wind affecting Northern Ireland metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnin…

Our Local IMPACT Teams are delighted to present the IMAGINE video to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. This April, let's IMAGINE the school we could be! One where pupils truly understand Autism and a place where every pupil is understood, respected and included. 💭IMAGINE is a three-minute video to help peers understand Autism and to promote empathy and inclusion: ow.ly/j9eC50YBF4I Schools can access the accompanying Teacher Resource Packs for Key Stage 2 and for Post Primary, via the SDS Training Portal #AutismAcceptanceMonth #ImagineInclusion

🗣️ We’re asking for your views on the Enhanced Support Model. As part of our 8-week Consultation, we are hosting a series of open audience events across Northern Ireland. These events, for all audiences including School Practitioners and Parents & Carers will outline proposed updates within the Enhanced Support Model and how they may impact support processes going forward. 📍Ranfurly House, Dungannon 🗓️Monday 20th April 🕰️ 6:00pm – 7:30pm 📍Antrim Board Centre, Antrim 🗓️Tuesday 21st April 🕰️12:30pm – 2:00pm 🕰️ 6:00pm – 7:30pm 📍Girdwood Community Hub, Belfast 🗓️Wednesday 22nd April 🕰️12:30pm – 2:00pm 📍Technology Education Centre, Omagh 🗓️Thursday 23rd April 🕰️6:00pm – 7:30pm 📍Fermanagh House, Enniskillen 🗓️Monday 27th April 🕰️6:00pm – 7:30pm 📍EA Dundonald, Grahamsbridge Road 🗓️Thursday 30th April 🕰️12:30pm – 2:00pm 🕰️6:00pm – 7:30pm 📍Foyle Arena, Derry 🗓️Friday 1st May 🕰️6:00pm – 7:30pm We also have a full schedule of events for Classroom Assistants, other School Practitioners, Parents & Carers listed on our website. What do I need to do? ✅Visit our website to view the full list of events and register for one that suits you. ✅Get involved in our consultation. 🔗 ow.ly/WYpM50YBQe8

🗣️ We’re asking for your views. The Education Authority has launched an 8-week public consultation on how classroom support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) could be improved. We want to hear from: 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents & carers 🎓 Pupils & young people 🏫 School staff 🤝 Partner organisations Your feedback will help shape how support is delivered in the future. We are hosting a number of events for each of our audience groups over the consultation period. What do I need to do? ✅Visit our website to view the full list of events and register for one that suits you. ✅Get involved in our consultation. 👉 ow.ly/c7fB50YAT6W 📅 The consultation is now open until 22 May 2026. #EAHaveYourSay #EnhancedSupportModel #SEN #EducationNI

🎧 New episode alert! Episode 9 of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks is now available! 🎙️🌟 This week, we welcome Vera Shanahan, an expert in shared education in Ireland. We explore the ethos of @EducateTogether schools, their inclusive and child-centred philosophy, and how this approach drives Shared Education initiatives. The episode also explores the future role of equality-based education in shaping Ireland’s educational landscape over the next decade. ➡️Spotify: ow.ly/FCHQ50X4ipT ➡️Amazon Music: ow.ly/UiPq50X4imq ➡️Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/kLzu50X4iil ➡️EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: ow.ly/7wMw50X4iR7 #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

🎶 Celebrating Our Amazing MusicMakers! 🎶 We were delighted to host three fantastic MusicMakers’ concerts across Dungannon, Portadown and Newry earlier this month. Each event was filled with talent, dedication and confidence as our EA Music junior students took to the stage. A highlight of the concerts was the presentation of an incredible £3,556.80 to @AirAmbulanceNI 🛩️, raised through our themed fancy‑dress rehearsals back in October 2025. Representatives from Air Ambulance joined us at each event to accept the donation and share more about the charity’s vital work. The MusicMakers 2026 concerts were bursting with energy—from the bright sounds of the wind bands to the rich melodies of the string orchestras. Every performance showcased the growing musicality of our young musicians, who were warmly supported by enthusiastic audiences. ✨ A huge well done to all our MusicMakers! ✨ #EAMusic | #AirAmbulanceNI

🎶 Springfest 2026 – It’s About Time! ⏰✨ EA Music Springfest marked its 21st year with an unforgettable celebration of creativity, collaboration, and young musical talent! During the day, over 20 schools from across the North West joined us at the Millennium Forum for a series of interactive workshops with the EA Music Service orchestra and staff. Our theme, “It’s About Time!”, took more than 2,000 students on a musical journey through time and space—exploring rhythm, movement, song, and dance in the most imaginative way. The celebrations continued into the evening with a spectacular concert featuring over 200 young musicians from the EA Western Region Music Service. Audiences were treated to outstanding performances from our string, jazz, woodwind, and brass ensembles, along with the exceptional Western Youth Orchestra 🌟 A huge well done to every performer, participant, teacher, and supporter who made this year’s Springfest truly magical. Until next year… it’s about time we did it all again! 💫 #EAMusic | #Springfest

Hi‑Viz Harry may be little, but his message is strong... If he had the choice, he’d make sure he was seen. If he could, he would. #BeSafeBeSeen @NIRoadPolicing @NIFRSOFFICIAL @NIAS999 @deptinfra @Ed_Authority @daera_ni @PCSP_S @Education_NI @WWCTrustNI @hsenigov @roadsafeni