Ireland: How to get additional school learning support
How parents in Ireland can discuss special education teaching, the Continuum of Support and access to local NCSE support.
This is introductory information, not individual legal, educational or clinical advice. Confirm current arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
Start with the school's Continuum of Support
Ireland's National Council for Special Education (NCSE) describes the Continuum of Support as a way for schools to identify strengths and needs, choose supports and review progress. Needs may be temporary or long-term, and the level of support can change.
- Tell the class or subject teacher what your child finds difficult, what helps and what they say about school.
- Ask which teaching strategies are already in place and how the school is monitoring progress.
- Discuss whether Special Education Teaching (SET) is appropriate, and how the school decides to use its allocated SET resources.
- Agree what will be recorded in a student support plan or support file, and when it will be reviewed.
SET is not the same as SNA support
NCSE explains that SET is additional teaching for pupils with identified learning needs. Access to SET is based on educational need rather than requiring a particular diagnosis. Special needs assistants (SNAs) support pupils with significant care needs and have a different role; they are not a substitute for teaching support.
Ask the school which type of need is being addressed, which staff members are responsible and whether any other services or assistive technology may be relevant.
When do you contact a SENO?
A Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) is an NCSE contact who can advise families about local school provision and some support routes, including special classes and school placements. Contact your local SENO for information about what is available; an individual outcome or allocation cannot be guaranteed by this guide.
Questions for parents
- Which stage of the Continuum of Support is the school using?
- What progress information has been recorded and shared?
- Is SET or care-related assistance relevant to my child's needs?
- Who is the school's assigned SENO, and when would contacting them help?
Official Irish sources
- NCSE — Special Education Teacher model (primary)
- NCSE — Frequently asked questions for parents
- NCSE — Find your local SENO
Check current NCSE and school guidance for your child's specific setting, especially if they attend a post-primary or specialist placement.
Continuum of Support in Ireland: parent FAQ
The Irish Department of Education's Continuum of Support is a framework for identifying, planning and reviewing support for pupils with additional educational needs. Schools may describe three levels: Classroom Support, School Support and School Support Plus. These are planning levels, not automatic guarantees of a particular placement, SNA allocation or diagnosis.
What is Classroom Support?
Teachers identify learning needs, agree strategies and monitor how a pupil responds within ordinary classroom teaching. Parents can ask for the specific goals, supports and review date.
When is School Support or School Support Plus used?
When a pupil needs more targeted or intensive planning, the school may involve its special education teachers and, where appropriate, external professionals. Ask for a written Student Support Plan, how progress is measured and when the plan will be reviewed.
Does my child need a diagnosis to receive support?
Schools should respond to identified educational needs rather than waiting solely for a diagnosis. Eligibility for particular schemes or supports can involve additional criteria.
Is a SENO responsible for the Continuum of Support?
The school leads classroom-level planning. A SENO has a different NCSE coordination role. See what a SENO does.
Official reference: Department of Education: special education teaching allocation. Ask your school for the current Continuum of Support guidance and templates.