Special Classes
Special Classes
What are Special Classes?
Special classes in mainstream schools offer a supportive learning environment for students with complex needs outlined in a professional report with a recommendation for a special class.
Special classes have a lower student-teacher ratio specified according to category of disability. This means that classes have small numbers of students, for example, a special class for students with moderate general learning disabilities will have one teacher for every eight students. For students autism 1 teacher to 6 students.
Placement in a special class is reviewed on a yearly basis taking the students needs and progress into account. It is intended that special class provision provides the opportunity for students to be educated alongside mainstream peers by integrating throughout the day.
Special classes are established following engagement between the NCSE, schools, and families of students with special educational needs, as well as other relevant stakeholders including school patrons, management bodies, and the Department of Education.
Special Classes
Special Class Guidelines and Application forms
This section contains Special Class Guidelines for Principals and Boards of Management.
It also contains forms relating to management of Special Classes and applications for SNA Support, School Transport and Assistive Technology.
Special Classes
Guidelines for Setting Up and Organising Special Classes
These guidelines give information and guidance to schools on the setting up and organisation of NCSE-sanctioned special classes in mainstream primary and post-primary schools.
They are based on principles of good practice and Boards of Management are requested to take due cognisance of them when setting up, staffing and organising special classes in their schools.
These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the NCSE Transition Guidelines
Special Classes
List of Mainstream Schools with Special Classes
Each year, the NCSE publishes a list of Mainstream Primary and Post-Primary schools with Special Classes.