Assessment of Need
Assessment of Need
Report of Education Needs for the Purpose of the Assessment of Need Disability Act 2005
The Assessment of Need (AON) process is provided for under the Disability Act 2005 and is a process under the remit of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
All children/young people born on or after 1 June 2002, who are suspected of having a disability, are eligible to apply to the HSE for an AON under the Disability Act (2005). If the HSE Assessment Officer forms the opinion that a child or young person requires an assessment of education needs as part of the HSE Assessment of Need Process, he/she will contact the NCSE.
This requires the NCSE to nominate an appropriate person who will complete a Report of Education Needs. Engagement with this part of the process will be through the NCSE.
Department of Education and Youth Circular 0069/2025 Assessment of Need was published on 07 October 2025 (Preceded by: 0025/2024 Report of Education Need for the Purpose of the Assessment of Need Disability Act 2005.
Assessment of Need
How can we support you?
If a school requires additional support in the completion of the NCSE Report of Education Needs for the purpose of AON, the NCSE AON Team are available to support schools as required through this process:
– Dedicated email support from the NCSE – aon@ncse.ie
– Support from the NCSE AON team on our dedicated phone line 01 603 3456
– Advisor support on request via phone, and if required virtual support and/or in school support
– An FAQ document which will be updated regularly
Assessment of Need
Guidance Note
This document provides guidance for schools on completing the NCSE Report of Education Needs as part of the Assessment of Need (AON) process under the Disability Act 2005. It outlines the steps schools should follow when nominated to contribute to the assessment, including gathering relevant educational information and identifying any additional needs to support the HSE’s evaluation.
Assessment of Need
Sample of Report of Education Needs (ROEN) Form
View a sample of the Report of Education Needs(ROEN) Form that is issued to schools for completion during the Assessment of Need process.
Assessment of Need
Frequently Asked Questions
View our Frequently Asked Questions which are updated regularly with the latest questions and answers.
