This webinar will highlight four key areas for parents on the supports offered by the NCSE:
- The role of the SENO
- How to contact your child’s SENO
- Supports available within the school
- Information on the Parents Notify Portal (closing 1st October)
Parents Notify is an online form which allows you to inform the NCSE that you are seeking a place for your child in a Special School or Autism Class for September 2026. Once the form is submitted, the NCSE will review your information. If the reports provided meet the criteria, you will receive an eligibility letter. This letter is required when applying for a Special Class or Autism School.This process is outlined in Department of Education Circular 0039/2025 and will be explained in further detail during the webinar.
This webinar is particularly important for:
- Parents of newly diagnosed Autistic children who require a place in a Special School or Autism Class next year
Sarah Ledwidge is National Coordinator of Local Service in the NCSE since April 2024. Sarah is a Montessori trained primary teacher and holds a Masters in Psychology. Prior to working for NCSE Sarah worked as a Montessori Teacher in an early years setting and then for 5 years across adult, teen and children’s disability services. Sarah has worked for NCSE since December 2021 and was Team Manager for South Dublin from December of 2021 until April of 2024 before stepping into the National Coordinator role. Sarah is passionate about working with families and schools to ensure that all young people are given the support they need to thrive.
Sinéad Morgan is a Team Manager for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). Having initially qualified with a Bachelor of Education Degree from Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Sinéad subsequently completed a number of postgraduate courses with MIC, including a Graduate Diploma in Inclusive Education and a Masters in Inclusive Education. Sinéad also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Leadership in Education and is currently engaging in the Structured PhD in Education at MIC having received the MIC Postgraduate studentship award in 2024. Sinéad has taught in both mainstream, primary and special schools. She has extensive experience in a variety of teaching roles, including a mainstream teacher, special education teacher and special class teacher. During her time as a primary teacher, Sinéad was seconded as an advisor to the NCSE, where she provided teacher professional learning in the areas of autism and inclusion. Sinéad’s teaching and research interests pertain to inclusive practice in education, with a particular focus on animal assisted education involving canines.
