A World- Class Inclusive Education System for Ireland
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Support for Parents and Guardians
Find information and guidance to help you support your child’s journey through education in Ireland.
We are here to assist you in making informed decisions about your child’s learning and development. We provide expert information about supports in schools, access to services, and what you are entitled to.
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Support for School Leaders
In this section you can find:
– Information on supports available to schools
– Guidelines and applications for accessing support
– Resources to assist you in providing inclusive education
You will also find information on special classes and special schools, our new Education Therapy Service and our Relate initiative.
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Support for Teachers
In this section, you can:
– Find information on our Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) courses and seminars
– View our TPL Booklet and calendar
– Book your place on one of our seminars
You will also find a range of resources to assist you in providing inclusive education to all students in your class.
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NCSE Head Office
Find out about:
– The work of our Research Unit
– Our policy advice to government
– Careers at the NCSE
– Data and statistics
– Our publications
– Contact information
– NCSE Head Office
Need help or school information?
Our special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are your main contact for support.
SENOs work directly with schools, parents and guardians, and other stakeholders to ensure that children with special educational needs receive appropriate educational supports.
They are part of a larger support network of visiting teachers, NCSE advisors and staff.
School Information map
You can search by location and find:
– Schools with special class
– Contact details for SENOs who provide support to the schools near you
Contact the NCSE
We are here to support you. You can use our Contact Us page to connect with:
– Your local special educational needs organiser (SENO)
– A visiting teacher
– Our Head Office
LATEST UPDATES
What’s new at NCSE
Stay informed with our latest news, announcements, and updates.
Learn about policy changes, upcoming events, and support initiatives for schools and families.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How can we help?
Who are we?
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was set up to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities.
The Council was first established as an independent statutory body by order of the Minister for Education and Science in December 2003.
The aim of the NCSE is to support an inclusive education system that enables students and adults with special educational needs to achieve their potential.
What we do?
- We plan, co-ordinate and review the provision of educational supports to support students with special educational needs in line with Department of Education policy.
- We provide the Minister for Education with expert, independent, evidence-informed policy advice on special education for students and young adults.
- We commission, conduct and share research on all aspects of special education.
- We review and advise on the continuing options available in higher, adult and continuing education, and rehabilitation and training for adults with special educational needs.
- We provide information on special education to all who need it.
How are our services delivered?
The NCSE operates on a team basis.
NCSE Teams
- Cavan Monaghan Leitrim
- Clare
- Cork (2 teams)
- Donegal
- Dublin (4 teams)
- Galway
- Kerry
- Kildare
- Laois Carlow Kilkenny
- Limerick
- Louth Meath
- Mayo Sligo
- Offaly Tipperary
- Roscommon Longford Westmeath
- Waterford Wexford
- Wicklow
What supports are available to students with special educational needs in school?
- Special Education Teaching (SET)
- Access to Special Needs Assistants (SNA)
- Assistive Technology
- The provision of Transport for eligible students
- The provision of Escorts for eligible students
- Visiting Teacher service for children with visual impairment, those that are deaf and hard of hearing and deaf blind children
What educational settings are available for your child?
- Mainstream school with supports
- Mainstream special classes
- Special schools
- Home Tuition is available for students in certain circumstances