NCSE About us

About Us

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

About Us

Championing Inclusive Education Across Ireland

In the NCSE, we support children and young people with special educational needs by working with families, schools, and professionals to promote inclusive education across Ireland. 

John Kearney the Chief Executive Officer of the NCSE

Message from the CEO

‘I am delighted to welcome you to the NCSE website. 

The NCSE is driven by supporting students with special education needs to truly belong and thrive in schools. 
 
Browse our site; explore our support offerings; let us be your partners in inclusive education.’ 
 

John Kearney – Chief Executive Officer
A speaker at a podium with an Irish flag and a sign language interpreter on stage at an NCSE conference

About Us

Mission & vision

Our Vision
Our vision is for a world-class inclusive education system for Ireland; an 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 strive to achieve 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

Close-up of people writing notes during a meeting

About Us

The NCSE Council

The NCSE Council plays a vital role in shaping inclusive education policy and practice across Ireland. It includes professionals with expertise in education, disability, and public service.   
 
The Council provides strategic direction and supervision to ensure that we can deliver on our mission to support children and young people with special educational needs. 

Wooden figures of people with one elevated to represent leadership

About Us

The NCSE Executive

The NCSE Executive, led by the Chief Executive Officer, John Kearney manages the organisation’s daily operations and services. 

Two people sitting at a table, one holding a tablet having a discussion.

About Us

The Consultative Forum

The NCSE engages with the Consultative Forum on special education matters.  
 
The Council can appoint up to 17 members through its consultation process.  The Minster for Education can appoint  three members.  
 
The Forum was created under section 22 of the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004. 
 

Magnifying glass enlarging the word "HISTORY" on a beige background

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 in December 2003. 
 
 
Our local services are delivered through our national network of special educational needs organisers (SENOs). SENOs interact with parents and schools and work with other agencies and departments in providing  resources to support children with special educational needs. 

NCSE NEWS

Updates from our work and community

On this page, you can stay informed with our latest developments.  
 
From new initiatives and reports to key appointments and partnerships, see what’s happening across our organisation and in special education across Ireland. 
 

Read all news
Loading…