Cork parents seeking special education places for next school year told to apply before October 1

Cork TD and minister of state for special education and inclusion, Michael Moynihan, has urged parents seeking a special class or special school place next year to contact the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) as soon as possible.

The closing date for parents to submit their notifications and reports for the 2026/2027 school year is October 1.

Mr Moynihan and education minister Helen McEntee provided an update on forward planning for special education provision.

The earlier timeline has been introduced to provide more time for the establishment of new special classes and additional special school capacity, thereby providing parents with clarity at an earlier stage on new special class and special school provision for their children.

“The NCSE and my department are committed to delivering 400 new special classes for the 2026/2027 school year, continuing the rapid expansion of special education provision in recent years,” Ms McEntee stated.

“This September, approximately 30,500 students will be enrolled in special classes and special schools — an increase of over 12,000 students (67%) since 2020.

“The number of special needs assistants (SNAs) has also grown significantly, with nearly 23,000 SNAs now employed across the education system — an increase of almost 10,000 posts (27%) over the same period.

“For the current school year, the NCSE has sanctioned 407 new special classes, bringing the total to 3,741 nationwide. These classes are distributed across every county in Ireland.

“In addition, over 300 new special school places are being provided in special schools.”

Mr Moynihan said: “I want to remind families of children seeking a special class or special school place to come forward to the NCSE by October 1, 2025.

“I know that the NCSE have been highlighting this timeline through their media channels and through their direct engagement with parents, schools, and advocacy groups.

“I acknowledge that this timeline is just a few weeks away, and some families may be concerned in relation to obtaining the necessary reports and recommendations.

“The October 1 timeline is important for forward planning purposes to ensure that families have clarity at an earlier stage regarding new special class and special school provision for 2026/2027.

“The NCSE will, however, continue to support families coming forward after that timeline as well.”

He added: “It’s also important to note that a new report is not required when a child is transitioning between similar special class settings—for example, from junior to senior primary, or from primary to post-primary.“Most children with special educational needs are supported in mainstream settings by classroom teachers, Special Education Teachers, and SNAs. I want to thank the boards of management and schools for their continued support.”