347. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update regarding circular 0039-2025 Approach and key measures to support the Forward Planning for Special Education Provision for the 2026/2027 school year and beyond [49072/26]

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.

In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.

This year to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, an earlier date of 1 October was set for parents to complete the process.

This information is critical when examining where provision needs to be placed to meet demand. This earlier date in October coincides with when schools begin enrolment processes so affords parents the opportunity to enrol in existing classes. Many mainstream schools, particularly at post-primary level commence admissions processes for the following school year on 1 October annually.

The new timeline affords greater lead in times for schools that require repurposing or major building works to get works complete and allow schools to recruit staff and undertake the training needed so that children are fully supported in these placements.

The NCSE advise that the majority of children and young people coming to them through the Parent’s Notify process are already enrolled in school supported by existing special education teachers and special needs assistants.

My department and the NCSE continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year.

In addition, I recently announced inclusive special classes as part of a new approach to supporting students with additional needs. This is one of many ways my department is actively engaging to meet the increased demand.

575 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 60 inclusive special classes. Further new special classes may be confirmed in the coming weeks. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.

The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement and will continue to examine where provision is required for the 2026/27 school year.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.