History
History
Our History
The National Council for Special Education was established to enhance the provision of educational services for individuals with special educational needs arising from disabilities, with an emphasis on supporting children.
Initially founded as an independent statutory body by order of the Minister for Education and Science in December 2003, the NCSE was formally established under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN Act) on 1 October 2005.
The EPSEN Act outlines both our general functions and our specific responsibilities in implementing the provisions of the Act. The main aim is to ensure that the rights and educational needs of students with disabilities are effectively met.
We provide an overview of our functions on this page.
History
Functions of the Council
We summarise our main functions below.
With regard to children with special educational need, we:
– Plan and co-ordinate provision of education and support services
– Share information on best practices
– Provide information to parents about their entitlements
– Assess and review resources
– Monitor and review children’s progress
We also:
– Review education provision for adults with disabilities
– Advise educational institutions on best practice
– Consult with voluntary bodies
– Advise the Minister on matters relating to special education
– Carry out research and publish findings
(This summary is based on Section 20 of the EPSEN Act.)
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Additional Functions of the Council
We also have specific functions relating to the main provisions of the Act, such as assessment and individual education plans.
In our work, we consult directly with stakeholders. Our national Consultative Forum is where all our stakeholders can make their voices heard.
When we were first established, we prepared an Implementation Report which detailed how we would achieve our role and aims.
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Operational Independence
We have varying degrees of independence in our work. We must operate within the current policy parameters from the Minister for Education and Youth when implementing current policy. We must also follow the provisions relating to the level of supports and/or resources available in particular situations.
In the areas of research and advice to the Minister, we are free to carry out the research we decide is necessary. We also advise the Minister based on this research and the experience gained from implementing current policies.
History
Communication
We welcome your views and feedback on our work.
You can get in touch through our Contact Us page.