UPDATES ON SPECIAL CLASS PLACEMENT for 2026/2027
We have been asked to bring to your attention the recent publication of Circular 0063/2026, which outlines the new NCSE Parents Notify Process for the 2027/2028 school year. The purpose of this process is to help the NCSE and the Department of Education and Youth better understand, at an earlier stage, how many children are likely to require special education placements and supports in the future. This will assist with planning and ensuring that the necessary provision is in place where it is needed.
REMINDER that the closing date for applications for Letters of Eligibility is 1 September 2026.
Children who are entering Early Intervention Classes now require a Letter of Eligibility.
There is a short video explaining the process available here: https://www.ncse.ie/parents/current-application-processes/parents-notify-special-class-special-school-placement/
As part of the process, parents and guardians of children with special educational needs are invited to inform the NCSE if they expect their child to require a special school place, special class placement, or other specialist support for the 2027/2028 school year. The closing date to apply for a letter is 1st September 2026.
What you can expect:
- NCSE Service Delivery Support Team will acknowledge your initial email.
- NCSE Service Delivery Support Team will check that you have included your consent form and professional report(s).
- When we have your consent and professional report(s) the NCSE Service Delivery Support Team will forward them to your local Regional team, who will check that they meet eligibility criteria for the placement you seek.
- Your local SENO will make direct contact with you to discuss your child’s placement requirements and options.
- Your local SENO will provide you with written feedback that reflects the review of your submitted documents.
Parents should not delay in making applications for special classes and special school placements to schools that have opened their admissions process for the coming year, when waiting for the NCSE to get back to you.
This new process has been developed to support schools and families and to assist the NCSE in planning for additional specialist placements. Schools have been made aware that our role is to assist with this process, whilst each school follows their own admissions policy.
Should you require assistance from your local SENO, they can be found by following this link: SENO Contact Information