HSE

Essential services are to be provided by the Health Service Executive. These services include Speech and Language therapy, Occupational therapy, Dental check-ups, Psychological services etc.

National Educational Psychological Services (NEPS)

St Mary’s has started to avail of this service since September 2022.

NEPS psychologists work with both primary and post-primary schools and are concerned with learning, behaviour, social and emotional development. Each psychologist is assigned to a group of schools.

NEPS psychologists work in partnership with teachers, parents and children in identifying educational needs. They offer a range of services aimed at meeting these needs, for example, supporting individual students (through consultation and assessment), special projects and research.

National Council for Special Education (NCSE)

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) works with the Department of Education to improve the delivery of special needs education.

The NCSE:

Plans and co-ordinates the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs (with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE))

Plans the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act .

Provides information on best practice for the education of children with special educational needs.

Provides information to parents on the entitlements of children with special educational needs.

Assesses and reviews resources for children with special educational needs.

Ensures that progress of students with special educational needs is monitored and reviewed

Reviews education provision for adults with disabilities.

Advises educational institutions on best practice.

Consults with voluntary bodies.

Advises the Minister for Education on special education matters.

Conducts research and publishes findings.

Nominates a person to carry out an assessment of education need on behalf of the HSE.