| The Irish State is obliged to ensure that all children (children means people under the age of 18) receive a minimum education. This includes people with disabilities and special needs. Children with special educational needs have the right to free primary education up to age 18. You can find out more about the legislation underpinning the provision of education to people with special educational needs in 'Educational Disadvantage and the Law' and you can find out more about the State's obligations in 'The Constitution and education in Ireland'. |
The broad aims of special needs education are:
- To make sure that education takes place in an inclusive environment. The policy of the Department of Education is to provide integrated education whenever possible
- To make sure that children with special needs leave school with the skills they need to participate in society and to live independent and fulfilled lives
- To make sure that parents are involved in decisions about the education of their children.
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Organisations and Statutory bodies with a role in Special Needs Education |
The National Council for Special Education took over certain functions from the Department of Education and Science in January 2005. Its functions are:
- to carry out research and give expert advice to the Minister for Education on the educational and service needs of children with disabilities and special educational needs
- provide services at both national and local level to identify and provide for the educational needs of these children. The NCSE will co-operate with health authorities and schools to make sure that children with special educational needs have access to education and related support services using a network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs).
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The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) |
| The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is the statutory body that advises on the curriculum and syllabus requirements of students with disabilities or with special educational needs. At present official guidelines for teachers of students with general learning disabilities are being complied. The Draft Guidelines are available on the NCCA’s website. |
Assessment of children with special educational needs |
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)
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The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is an executive agency of the Department of Education and Science. NEPS provides psychological services to primary and post-primary schools, both state and private. You can read more about NEPS and the assessment process here. |
