In its third year, the Parents Notify process has proven an effective means for my department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to plan specialist placements. Schools and families have become familiar with the process facilitating a significant increase in special class and school places.
The circular letter issued earlier this month reiterates the need for parents seeking a specialist placement for their child to inform the NCSE and reminds schools that admissions policies must not include clauses preventing children with the most complex need accessing specialist school places.
The action required from parents by 1 September 2026 is to notify the NCSE that their child may require a specialist placement for September 2027. Parents provide basic information such as the child's name, PPS number, date of birth, home address and Eircode.
Supporting documentation are to be provided to the NCSE by 15 September 2026, or as reasonably practicable thereafter. The first step for parents is to engage with the child's local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) who will provide guidance on the process.
Schools will not commence admissions processes for the 2027/28 school year before October 2026, with post-primary schools typically beginning admissions processes from then. Primary schools and special schools generally commence their admissions processes later. Rather than approaching individual schools parents should engage with their SENO for support.
Early notification enables the NCSE and my department to forecast demand, identify where additional specialist provision may be required, and ensure sufficient funding and school places are in place.
There is agreement in principle by the Special Education Consultative Forum which includes parent representative bodies and advocacy groups on the importance of good forward planning to provide sufficient places and school admission policies which support children who require specialist placements.
