National Nursing Programme Pilot for Children with Complex Healthcare Needs
National Nursing Pilot
Overview of the Pilot
The National Nursing Programme Pilot for Children with Complex Healthcare Needs is a nationwide pilot scheme delivered by the NCSE with the partnership of the HSE.
The HSE currently funds Paediatric Home Care Packages (PCHPs). These allow agreed preferred providers to deliver nursing care to children at home with complex healthcare needs.
With this pilot scheme, the PHCP can be extended into schools. A nurse can now attend school with the student for an agreed number of hours per week, and travel to and from school with them, if needed.
There are eligibility criteria for students and schools to meet. You can see more details in the leaflets at the bottom of this page.
The HSE and NCSE will evaluate the pilot to inform how nursing support for students with complex healthcare needs is provided in the future.
Will this affect existing nursing services?
No. Many schools, in particular special schools, currently have nurses who are funded through other ways. This Pilot will not affect existing nursing services or supports in schools.
Many schools, in particular special schools, currently have nurses on site funded through a variety of arrangements. The pilot service will not displace existing nursing services or supports in schools.
National Nursing Pilot
How to apply
It is the school’s responsibility to apply to the NCSE for the child and submit the form.
Getting a form
If your school receives a request for nursing support under this scheme, please contact your local SENO for advice and guidance. A password-protected application form can be provided by emailing NursingSupport@ncse.ie.
The form has 3 sections. Each must be completed and signed before being sent.
– Section A: School to complete
– Section B: HSE to complete
– Section C: Parent or guardian to complete
How to submit your form
The school must send us both an emailed copy and hard copy by post.
Email: NursingSupport@NCSE.ie
Postal address:
NCSE, 4th Floor, Metropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, Dublin 1. D01 KOY8
Please see the form for further guidance.
How we check the application
During the application process, we will:
– Confirm if the student is eligible
– Decide the number of nursing hours
– Identify other school supports needed
– Confirm that support is available
– We will review the student’s transition into school and check their progress.
Your Contact for Support
Your local SENO will coordinate support and communication for schools for the scheme. The SENO can provide information about eligibility, applications and later steps in the process.
Please see below for information leaflets for parents and guardians, schools and healthcare workers.
