LATEST: Fears grow as vital special needs supports face cuts in local schools

Concerns have been raised over reported reductions in supports for children with additional needs in primary and post primary schools following reviews conducted by the National Council for Special Education.

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Cllr John O’Heney has said that a number of schools which recently underwent the NCSE review process have been informed that key supports are to be reduced or withdrawn in advance of the 2026 school year.

The reported changes have prompted alarm among school communities who say such resources are central to pupils’ ability to participate fully in education.

Over recent years, schools across the area have invested significant effort in developing inclusive settings for children who require additional assistance.

Many are now facing the prospect of losing supports that vulnerable pupils rely on each day in order to access learning on the same basis as their peers.

The developments come despite continued government announcements pointing to new special classes, extra school places and increased Special Needs Assistant allocations projected for September 2026.

While acknowledging the need for expansion, Cllr O’Heney argued that growth in provision must not undermine existing arrangements.

“Expansion of services is welcome and necessary,” he said. “However, it is deeply concerning that schools which have engaged fully with the review process are now being told they will lose supports that are already in place and working effectively for children.”

He warned that scaling back established supports risks reversing hard won progress in inclusive education and would add further pressure to families, teachers and school communities that are already stretched.

The councillor has called on the Department of Education and the NCSE to re examine the decisions as a matter of urgency. He is seeking greater transparency in engagement with schools and parents and has urged that no current support be withdrawn without what he described as clear, fair and child centred justification.

“No child should lose out in order to create provision elsewhere. The principle must remain clear, no child should be left behind,” he added.

Cllr O’Heney said he will continue liaising with affected schools, families and other stakeholders in an effort to secure clarity and to ensure that essential supports remain in place for pupils who need them most.

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