NCSE About us

About Us

About Us

Championing Inclusive Education Across Ireland

The NCSE supports children and young people with special educational needs by working with families, schools, and professionals to promote inclusive and equitable education across Ireland.

John Kearney and members of staff standing in front of a banner for the NCSE, holding a publication
A picture of the CEO of the NCSE

Message from the CEO

John Kearney – CEO

About Us

Mission & vision

Our Vision
The NCSE’s vision is for a world class inclusive education system for Ireland, where children and adults with special educational needs are supported to achieve better outcomes in their education to enable them to reach their potential.

Our Mission
We will drive the realisation of an inclusive education with integrated research, policy and practice. Our skilled and committed staff will work with students, schools and communities to provide access to quality learning and opportunities.

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About Us

The NCSE Council

The NCSE Council play a vital role in shaping inclusive education policy and practice across Ireland. Comprising a diverse group of professionals with expertise in education, disability, and public service, the Council provides strategic direction and oversight to ensure that the NCSE delivers on its mission to support children and young people with special educational needs.

About Us

The NCSE Executive

The NCSE Executive, led by the Chief Executive Officer, John Kearney manage the organisation’s daily operations and ensures the delivery of services that support students with special educational needs.

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Two members of a consultative forum having a discussion

About Us

The Consultative Forum

The Consultative Forum, appointed under section 22 of the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004, is a forum that the NCSE engages with on special education matters. The Council appoints up to 17 members following a prescribed consultation process. In addition, three members are appointed by the Minister for Education.

About Us

History of NCSE

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was set up to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities with particular emphasis on children. The Council was first established as an independent statutory body by order of the Minister for Education and Science in December 2003.

Our local service is delivered through our national network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) who interact with parents and schools and liaise with the HSE in providing resources to support children with special educational needs.

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NCSE NEWS

Updates from our work and community

Stay informed with the latest developments from the National Council for Special Education. From new initiatives and reports to key appointments and partnerships, this is where we share what’s happening across our organisation and in special education nationwide.

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