NCSE SEPT GUIDELINES UPDATE
Hi all. I realise that I am like a hen with an egg but here is another update on the NCSE debacle for those of you who may be interested and I feel that I owe it to the 17,000 plus of you who have signed the petition for clarity.

I have now written twice to Minister Michael Moynihan about the contradictory NCSE guidelines issued in September 2025. His office has replied with a generic template letter that ignores the serious problems facing schools, SNAs, and families.

None of the following questions have been answered:
• Are the September guidelines still in effect or withdrawn?
• Will a new circular replace the contradictory guidance?
• Are special classes reviewed separately or not?
• Can schools apply for reviews all year or only during the restricted window?
• What supports exist when care needs involve emotional or sensory regulation?
• Are SNA numbers meeting actual demand?
• What happens to families who missed the Parents Notify deadline?

TD Jennifer Whitmore has publicly highlighted exactly what parents are facing:

“Parents of children with additional needs are being left in limbo. The NCSE closed its Parents Notify portal on 1 October… Without the portal, they can’t get the eligibility letter needed to apply for special classes… seven weeks later there is still no guidance.”
This affects hundreds of families right now.  It cannot be ignored.

We are calling for:
- Reopening of the Parents Notify portal
- A clear circular replacing the contradictory guidelines
- Assurance that no child will lose access to SNA support due to unclear policy
- Transparent communication with parents and SENOs

Children with additional needs cannot be left behind. I will keep going until this situation is rectified. 

Thank you all.

Lisa