School Leaders Guidelines and Applications Special School Curriculum Support

Special School Curriculum Support

Special School Curriculum Support

What is Special School Curriculum Support?

A redeveloped Primary School Curriculum is being enacted (gradually introduced) in Ireland. The NCSE supports all special schools with this curriculum. 
 
During the school year, 2025/26, schools will close for two days to support the enactment of the Primary Curriculum Framework. This is in line with Circular 0067/2025
  
Our Primary Curriculum (Special School) team will facilitate two school closure days, one in Term 2 and one Term 3 of the school year, 2025/26.  
 We will contact special schools directly with details of this support.  to apply for this support.

Special School Curriculum Support

The Primary Curriculum Framework

The Primary Curriculum Framework sets out the purpose, structure and content for the curriculum. It forms the basis for high-quality learning, teaching and assessment for all children.  
It aims to provide a strong foundation for every child to thrive and flourish, supporting them to realise their full potential as individuals and as members of communities and society. 

Special School Curriculum Support

Sustained Support for the Primary Mathematics Curriculum

Special schools can apply for Sustained Support for the Primary Mathematics Curriculum during the school year, 2025/26. 

The aim of this sustained support is to help special schools enact the Primary Mathematics Curriculum.  

Our primary curriculum advisors can provide up to three in-school support visits to a special school. 

Colourful numbers and math symbols on a black background

Special School Curriculum Support

When can I apply for Sustained support for Special Schools?

Special schools can apply for sustained support since December 2025. This support is available for the rest of the school year (2025/26). 
 
You can apply through the Special School Curriculum Support option on the NCSE Portal. Please see the Submit your application for Special School Curriculum Support section below.  

Special School Curriculum Support

What other Curriculum Support is available for Special Schools?

Special schools can also apply for school support from an advisor in the following areas:

– Primary Language Curriculum
– Primary Mathematics Curriculum
– Primary Curriculum Framework
– Guidance on Preparation for Teaching and Learning
– Support for Co-operating Teachers

Special School Curriculum Support

How to apply for Special School Curriculum Support

To submit your application for support,

– Login to the NCSE School Portal ( link below)
– Create a New support ticket
– Select Special School Curriculum Support from the Type menu.
– Fill in the required fields
– Click Submit

When this request is received, we will contact you within ten school days via the NCSE school portal or by phone.