System guide
School supports in Ireland
Start with the child’s needs and current school situation, then use the right official route for placement, care support, transport or no-school-place issues.
Content checked 2026-09-28. Processes can change; use the linked sources before acting.
Your SENO
The NCSE SENO network is a practical official contact for special-education provision, special classes, transitions, assistive technology and special-education transport.
Special classes and special schools
Use the current NCSE lists and School Information Map. A listing does not guarantee a vacancy; admissions and eligibility still apply.
SNA support
SNA support is linked to additional care needs and school allocation. Avoid framing it as an automatic diagnosis-based one-to-one entitlement.
No suitable school place / home tuition
Home Tuition includes specific categories for special educational needs and no-school-place situations. It is school-year specific, so use the current Department page and forms.
Assistive technology, exams and summer
If specialist educational technology is essential, ask the school about the Assistive Technology Grant and SENO process. For Junior Cycle/Leaving Certificate, RACE is the relevant exam-accommodation route and is deadline-sensitive. The annual Summer Programme may also matter for pupils with complex special educational needs.