Policy Advice
NCSE
NCSE Policy Advice
In the National Council for Special Education, we provide the Minister for Education and Youth with policy advice on special education for students and young adults. Our advice is independent, expert-led and informed by evidence.
On this page, you can find details and links to our recent policy advice documents dating back to 2013.
2024
Policy Advice
NCSE Policy Advice Paper on Special Schools and Classes: An Inclusive Education for an Inclusive Society
The NCSE publishes landmark policy advice paper on special schools and classes.
Note: An earlier version of this Policy Advice Paper referenced ‘Universal Design for Learning’ where ‘Universal Design’ or “universal” should have been used. Corrections have been included in this version of the paper 39, 63, 75, 80, 109, 113, 118]. The acronym for Deaf/Hard of Hearing was referenced as “HH” where “DHH” should have been used. Corrections have been included in this version of the paper [pp. v, 63].
Policy Advice
Literature Review
Read the Literature Review relating to policy advice on educational provision for students in special schools and special classes.
Policy Advice
International Administrative Review
Read the International Administrative Review of specialist provision for students with special educational needs.
2019
Policy Advice
Progress Report – Policy Advice on Special Schools and Classes
This progress report summaries NCSE’s progress up to 2019 on a request for policy advice from the Minister on the role of special schools and classes
2018
Policy Advice
Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme
A New School Inclusion Model to Deliver the Right Supports
at the Right Time to Students with Additional Care Needs.
You can also read our infographic which outlines the process, findings and recommendations of the review.
Policy Advice
Guide to the Comprehensive Review for parents/guardians and students
This booklet is a guide on the policy paper for parents, guardians and students
Policy Advice
Report of the Cross Sectoral Team Working Group
This report proposed a new model of support for students with additional care needs. It was developed by the NCSE Working Group, led by NCSE Chair Eamon Stack.
Policy Advice
Progress Report on the Comprehensive Review of the SNA Scheme
This report outlines progress up to May 2017 on the Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme
Policy Advice
Report of the Cross Sectoral Team Working Group
A review of nursing provision for children with complex medical conditions, including children attending special schools was carried out by the Cross Sectoral Team Working Group. The group included members from:
– The Departments of Education and Skills, Health, Children and Youth Affairs
– The NCSE
– The HSE
– An expert clinician
2016
Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Schools
Policy Advice
Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Schools: NCSE Policy Advice Paper No.5
Policy Advice
Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Schools: A Guide for Parents/Guardians and Students
2014
A proposed new model for allocating teaching resources for students with special educational needs
Policy Advice
Delivery for Students with Special Educational Needs.
Policy Advice
Delivery for Students with Special Educational Needs: A Guide for Parents/Guardians and Students
2013
Policy Advice
Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs in Schools
The NCSE is pleased to announce the publication of this policy advice paper.