🚨 Growing National Concern
The confusion and contradictions around the NCSE Guidelines on SNA Allocations (published 12 September 2025) continue to grow. Parents, SNAs, and schools are still waiting for clear answers from the Department of Education.

📢 Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has now raised serious concerns about new Department of Education rules requiring families to obtain a Letter of Eligibility from the NCSE before they can apply for a place in a special class.

However, the NCSE portal to request this letter closed on October 1st, and there is currently no process for parents who missed the deadline, including those still waiting for professional assessments.
This means some children could be locked out of the system entirely for the 2026/2027 school year.

Whitmore said she has already been contacted by Special Educational Needs Coordinators who are seeing the real impact of these changes on schools and families. She is calling for urgent clarity and invites affected families to contact her directly at jennifer.whitmore@oireachtas.ie.

 
💬 Where We Stand
Since the NCSE Guidelines were released, SNAs, parents, and educators have been left facing confusion, stress, and silence. The Department claims the process for SNA allocations is “unchanged,” yet the published guidelines clearly narrow eligibility, restrict review dates, and remove emotional and behavioural regulation needs from consideration.

The petition now has over 17,000 signatures, reflecting the strength of feeling nationwide. We have written repeatedly to Minister Michael Moynihan TD, Deputy Robert Troy TD, and others demanding clear written clarification.

Despite reassurances, no official correction or updated circular has been issued.

 
❗ Key Contradictions That Must Be Addressed
🏫 Whole-School vs Class-Based Reviews
The NCSE guidelines state that “a review of the SNA allocation of a special class in isolation is no longer operational.”
Yet schools have been told allocations for mainstream and special classes remain separate.
Which is it? Schools need a clear answer.

⏰ Timing of Review Applications
The guidelines restrict reviews to a six-week window (15 Sept – 24 Oct).
However, the Department has since said schools can apply “at any time during the year.”
❗ These two positions cannot both be true.

💭 Behavioural and Emotional Regulation Needs
The guidelines say SNA support should not be the first response to managing behaviour, but no clear alternative is provided for children whose care needs arise from emotional or sensory regulation challenges.
Without this clarity, many children risk losing the support they rely on.

📊 Numbers vs Need
While SNA staffing has increased overall, so too has the number of children with complex additional needs, including autism, ADHD, and emotional-based school avoidance.
Quoting numbers without context hides the real question: are the needs being met?

 
🧭 What We’re Calling For
Parents, SNAs, and educators are united in asking for:
✅ The withdrawal of the September 2025 Guidelines
✅ A new, clearly written, and fully inclusive set of guidelines developed with input from SNAs, teachers, parents, and advocacy groups
✅ Written confirmation that no child will lose their SNA support due to misinterpretation of these rules

 
💚 Our Message
Every child deserves consistent care. Every SNA deserves security, respect, and clarity in their role.
This is not a political issue – it is about the rights and dignity of children and the staff who support them.

Please continue to share this petition widely and tag your local TDs, Ministers, and the Department of Education.
Every signature counts, and every voice strengthens our call for truth, transparency, and action.