If your child has additional needs, the school system has several kinds of support. The names can be confusing at first. This guide explains who does what, so you know what to ask for.
The special education teacher
Every primary and post-primary school has special education teaching hours. A special education teacher may work with your child in a small group, one to one, or alongside the class teacher. The school decides how these hours are used, based on each child's needs.
Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)
SNAs support children with significant care needs: for example with personal care, moving around the school, or staying safe. SNA support is allocated to schools by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and the school decides how it is shared.
NEPS: the educational psychologists
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) works with schools. A NEPS psychologist can advise the school about a child, and in some cases carry out an assessment. Ask the school principal how to involve them.
The NCSE and your local SENO
The NCSE has Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) in each area. A SENO can talk to you about school places, special classes and the supports available. You can find your SENO on ncse.ie.
A Student Support Plan
Many schools write a support plan for a child with additional needs, setting out goals and how they will be supported. Ask to see it and to be part of reviewing it.
Where tutoring fits
A tutor does not replace any of this. Extra one-to-one time can help with reading, maths or homework, in a calm setting at home. It works best when the tutor knows what the school is doing, so tell both.
On GrindSpot you can find tutors with experience of additional needs, whose Garda vetting we have checked by hand.
This guide is general information, not advice about your child. For the latest rules, see ncse.ie and gov.ie.
