Dear Parents/Guardiand
As outlined in Department of Education Circular 0063/2026, parents/guardians who are seeking a special class or special school placement for their child for the 2027/28 school year are asked to notify the NCSE through the Parents Notify process. The notification deadline is 1 September 2026, with supporting documentation due by 15 September 2026, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter. This is required for new parents/guardians or parents/guardians who had a 26/27 letter of eligibility.
The Parents Notify process helps the NCSE and the Department plan ahead and identify where additional special class and special school places may be needed.
The NCSE will be contacting parents known to them directly over the summer to raise awareness of the 27/28 Parents Notify process. We would appreciate any support schools can provide in helping to ensure that families are aware of this important step if they are considering a special class or special school placement for September 2027.
Further information, including access to the online Parents Notify form, is available on the NCSE website: https://www.ncse.ie/parents/current-application-processes/parents-notify-special-class-special-school-placement/