School Leaders
Supporting School Leaders: Empowering Inclusive Education
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) provides dedicated support to school leaders across Ireland to help them create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.
Through expert guidance, professional development opportunities, and tailored advice, the NCSE assists principals and leadership teams in navigating the complexities of special educational needs.
Whether it’s planning for additional teaching supports, accessing resources, or implementing inclusive practices, our team is here to ensure school leaders are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to lead confidently and inclusively.
School Leaders
Support Network
The NCSE operates a nationwide network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs), Visiting Teachers, Advisors, and Team Managers. These professionals work within Regional Teams across Ireland to support schools in delivering appropriate special education resources and services to children.
Our NCSE Head Office Administration Team provide support to our Regional Teams and also ensure that the core corporate functions are carried out.
School Leaders
Information and guidelines on services and supports provided by NCSE
Find information on Assessment of Need, School TPL Support, Special School Curriculum Support, SNA Review, SNA Appeal, SET Review, Assistive Technology, School Transport and the
National Nursing Pilot Programme.
SET and SNAs allocation
Each year, the NCSE allocates Special Education Teaching (SET) hours and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support students with additional needs. You can view current and past allocations by school and year.
NCSE Relate Initiative
NCSE Relate is a comprehensive resource to support school staff to understand and reframe behaviour. It places relationships at the heart of all support and takes a regulation first approach in understanding and supporting students.
Education Therapy Service
The NCSE have just launched our new Education Therapy Service (ETS). Find out more information about the service and how it will be implemented.
Special Classes
Find out information on Special Classes including guidelines on how to set up and organise a Special Class.
This section also contains Special Class Guidelines and application forms required to manage existing special classes.
You can also view a list of Mainstream Schools with Special Classes.
Special Schools
Find out information on Special Schools.
This section contains forms relating to management of Special Schools and applications for School Transport and Assistive Technology.
You can also find out more about Special School Curriculum Support.