Next year, parents applying for special schools will no longer need an Assessment of Needs in order to access it for the 2027 academic year. Depending on the age of the child, being able to access special education can often change their life for the better. Next year, however, parents applying for special schools will be told they no longer need an AoN in order to access special education for the 2027 academic year. According to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), a child does need a “professional report” which identifies that they do have a special educational need, before they can be placed in a special class or a special school. “Who is going to be the gatekeeper of special education?” Ms O’Neill said.

Source: The Irish Times December 10, 2025 22:22 UTC