(Ireland) Special schools to provide in-school speech/language therapy

Jan 27, 2026, School Days: In-School Therapy: New Supports for Special Schools in Ireland

https://schooldays.ie/articles/article/in-school-therapy-new-supports-for-special-schools-in-ireland/  

In a landmark move for the Irish education system, 2026 marks a significant milestone in the rollout of integrated therapy services within school settings. For parents of children attending special schools, the introduction of in-school speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and other essential supports represents a shift toward a more holistic and accessible model of care. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between health and education services, ensuring that a child’s developmental needs are met exactly where they spend the majority of their day.

Historically, many parents in Ireland have had to navigate a fragmented system, often taking their children out of school for essential therapy appointments at HSE clinics. This “medical model” often led to missed school hours and a lack of communication between the therapist and the classroom teacher.

The new in-school therapy service, which is currently being prioritised for rollout in special schools, brings the therapist into the heart of the educational environment. This allows for a “collaborative consultation” model where the therapist works alongside the teacher and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to integrate therapeutic goals into the child’s daily routine.

Key Benefits for Children and Families

The presence of dedicated therapists within special schools offers several transformative advantages. . .

The Department of Education, in conjunction with the HSE, has adopted a phased approach to this rollout. The initial focus is on special schools where the complexity of need is highest. This involves the recruitment of dedicated therapy teams assigned to specific clusters of schools.

While the rollout is a welcome development, it is not without its challenges. Recruiting a sufficient number of qualified therapists remains a priority for the government to ensure that every school in the scheme has the level of support required. For parents, the hope is that this model will eventually expand from special schools into mainstream settings, supporting the increasing number of children in special classes within mainstream primary schools.

Looking Forward

This initiative is a recognition that education and health are inextricably linked. By embedding therapy services within the school gates, Ireland is moving closer to an inclusive system that truly supports the “whole child.” For parents, it provides a sense of reassurance that their child’s professional support team is working in harmony, all focused on a single goal: helping the student to reach their full potential in a supportive, familiar environment.