The Department of Education has approved a new system for allocating special needs resources in primary schools.
The new system will give a fixed allocation to all schools based on their numbers and other criteria.
Currently, schools must make a separate application to the Department of Education for every child with special needs.
This system has led to a backlog, with 6,000 children waiting for approval for their applications.
The change is aimed at reducing the administrative burden placed on schools and making the delivery of resources to children faster.
Disadvantaged schools are also to get additional resources under the new system.
In recognition of a higher incidence of learning difficulties among boys, all boys' schools will be allocated one learning support teacher for every 140 pupils, while all girls' schools will get one for every 200.
