A World-Class Inclusive Education System for Ireland
Latest news from the NCSE
Home Page
Support for Parents and Guardians
Find information and guidance to help you support your child’s journey through education in Ireland.
We are here to assist you in making informed decisions about your child’s learning and development. We provide expert information about supports in schools, access to services, and what you are entitled to.
Home Page
Support for School Leaders
In this section you can find:
– Information on supports available to schools
– Guidelines and applications for accessing support
– Resources to assist you in providing inclusive education
You will also find information on special classes and special schools, our new Education Therapy Service and our Relate initiative.
Home Page
Support for Teachers
In this section, you can:
– Find information on our Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) courses and seminars
– View our TPL Booklet and calendar
– Book your place on one of our seminars
You will also find a range of resources to assist you in providing inclusive education to all students in your class.
Home Page
NCSE Head Office
Find out about:
– The work of our Research Unit
– Our policy advice to government
– Careers at the NCSE
– Data and statistics
– Our publications
– Contact information
– NCSE Head Office
Need help or school information?
Our special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are your main contact for support.
SENOs work directly with schools, parents and guardians, and other stakeholders to ensure that children with special educational needs receive appropriate educational supports.
They are part of a larger support network of visiting teachers, NCSE advisors and staff.
School Information Map
You can search by location and find:
– Schools with special classes
– Contact details for SENOs who provide support to the schools near you
Contact the NCSE
We are here to support you. You can use our Contact Us page to connect with:
– Your local special educational needs organiser (SENO)
– A visiting teacher
– Our Head Office
LATEST UPDATES
What’s new at NCSE
Stay informed with our latest news, announcements, and updates.
Learn about policy changes, upcoming events, and support initiatives for schools and families.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How can we help?
What is the NCSE?
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was set up to improve education services for people with special educational needs.
We work to support an inclusive education system that enables students and young adults with special educational needs to achieve their potential.
The Council was first established as an independent statutory body by order of the Minister for Education and Science in December 2003.
What does the NCSE do?
- We plan, co-ordinate and review the provision of educational supports to support students with special educational needs in line with Department of Education and Youth policy.
- We provide the Minister for Education and Youth with policy advice on special education for students and young adults. Our advice is expert-led, independent and evidence-informed.
- We do research on all aspects of special education.
- We provide information on special education to all who need it.
How are NCSE services delivered?
We run our services across different teams by region.
We list the teams below.
NCSE Teams
- Cavan Monaghan Leitrim
- Clare
- Cork (2 teams)
- Donegal
- Dublin (4 teams)
- Galway
- Kerry
- Kildare
- Laois Carlow Kilkenny
- Limerick
- Louth Meath
- Mayo Sligo
- Offaly Tipperary
- Roscommon Longford Westmeath
- Waterford Wexford
- Wicklow
What supports are available to students with special educational needs in school?
- Special Education Teaching (SET)
- Access to Special Needs Assistants (SNA)
- Assistive Technology like reading tools, writing aids, hearing and vision aids.
- School Transport
- School escorts
- Visiting teachers for students who are Blind or with Vison Impairments or students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and students who are Deaf Blind
Where can my child with special educational needs go to school?
There are many types of school and classes that may suit you child. We call these ‘educational settings’
- Mainstream school with supports
- Mainstream special classes
- Special schools
- Home Tuition is available for students in certain circumstances