School Leaders

School Leaders

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School Leaders

Supporting School Leaders: Empowering Inclusive Education

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) supports school leaders to create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. 
 
 We assist principals and leadership teams to navigate the complex area of special educational needs through: 

– Expert guidance 
– Professional development opportunities 
– Tailored advice 
 
 This can include guidance around: 

– Planning for additional teaching supports 
– Accessing resources 
– Implementing inclusive practices 

We are here to ensure, you, as a school leader have the knowledge and tools you need to lead your teams confidently and inclusively. 

On this page, you can find information and links to some of the supports and networks you can benefit from. 

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School Leaders

Support Network

In the NCSE, we operate a nationwide network of: 

– Special educational needs organisers (SENOs) 
– Visiting teachers 
– Advisors 
– Team managers
 
These professionals work in regional teams to support schools in delivering appropriate special education resources and services to children. 
 
Our NCSE Head Office Administration Team supports our regional teams. They also ensure that our corporate functions are carried out. 

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School Leaders

Information and guidelines on services and supports provided by NCSE

We provide expert information on all aspects of special education including: 

– Assessment of need 
– School teacher professional learning support 
– Special school curriculum support 
– Special needs assistant review and appeal    
– Special education teaching (SET) allocation review 
– Assistive technology 
– School transport 
– The National Nursing Pilot Programme 
 

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SET Hours, Special Class Teachers and SNA Allocations


Each year, the NCSE allocates the special education teaching(SET) hours, special class teachers and special needs assistants(SNAs) to schools to support students with additional needs.

You can view the current and past allocations by school and year in the link below.

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Resources for School Leaders

School Leaders can access resources including practical tools, guidance, and information designed to support inclusive education in classrooms. 

Find out more about
– Education Therapy Service (ETS)
– NCSE Relate
– Autism Good Practice Guidance for Schools – Supporting Children and Young
People

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Special Classes

Find out information on special classes including:  

– Guidelines on how to set up and organise a special class 
– Application forms to manage existing special classes 
– A list of mainstream schools with special classes 

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Special Schools

Find out information on managing special school supports and our Special School Curriculum Support.  
 
This section contains guidelines and forms on school transport and assistive technology.