(Ireland) REPORT: "Over half of primary schools require improvement in special classes"

Nov 4, 2025, Irish Mirror: Over half of Irish primary schools require improvement in special classes, new report reveals 

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/over-half-irish-primary-schools-36182307?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target

Over half of Irish primary schools "require improvement" in special education classes, a new report has revealed.

A report published by the Department of Education yesterday details evaluations of special classes for autistic students between September 2024 and February 2025. Only one school was found to have an "excellent standard" of learning programmes in special classes.

Half of the schools had effective programmes in place, while 40 per cent had "some good elements" and three schools (10 per cent) required "considerable improvement". It also found that only 53 per cent of schools have a formal enrolment review process in place for autistic children in special classes.

Eight of the 30 schools (26.6 per cent) had no review process in place, while 20 per cent had an informal process. Under the National Council for Special Education guidance, special classes should be continually reviewed by the school, with an annual review as the minimum requirement. . . .

As part of the report, 135 parents across the 30 schools met with inspectors. Some 66 per cent of parents reported feeling involved in the school community, 33 per cent identified issues that limited their involvement in the whole-school community, and 13 per cent felt isolated. . . .

Parents said their main challenges with their child’s education are the long waiting lists for assessment of needs and therapies, difficulty in securing a special education place and the stress of finding a suitable secondary school for their child.

Publishing the report, Chief Inspector Yvonne Keating said: "This report highlights that many schools are inclusive learning environments, where children and young people feel welcome and valued. It acknowledges the very good-quality provision for autistic pupils in some special classes.

"However, the inspectors’ findings also point to a need to carefully consider the purpose and role of special classes within an inclusive education system. The Inspectorate is committed to working with all stakeholders to support the implementation of the recommendations in this report."

Education Minister Helen McEntee said the report will inform the implementation plan arising from the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs review. This is the workforce development plan for Special Needs Assistants and the roadmap for inclusion currently being prepared with the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education.