Four Mayo special schools to benefit from therapy service expansion

Four special schools in Mayo are to receive in-school therapeutic supports under the latest expansion of the Education Therapy Service (ETS).

The service, delivered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), is a standalone commitment under the Programme for Government and is designed to bring therapy supports into schools.

The Mayo schools included in the expansion are St. Dymphna’s and St. Nicholas’ in Ballina, and St. Anthony’s and St. Brid’s in Castlebar.

The four Mayo schools are among 19 additional schools included in the expansion announced by Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton and Minister for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan.

Welcoming the announcement, Mayo TD Keira Keogh said the service would make a significant difference to children, families and school staff.

“For too long, families and schools have struggled to access therapies that children need to learn, communicate, participate and thrive,” Deputy Keogh said.

Under the model, therapists will work within school communities alongside students, teachers, special needs assistants and families, providing support in the environment where children spend much of their day.

Deputy Keogh said this could include Speech and Language Therapists supporting students with communication systems such as AAC devices, while Occupational Therapists could provide practical strategies to assist with regulation, concentration and classroom participation.

“Having that expertise available consistently, when and where it is needed, can be transformative,” she said.

Deputy Keogh, who previously worked as a Behaviour Specialist supporting neurodiverse children and young people, said she had seen first-hand the value of specialist supports being available within schools.

“I have worked closely with students and staff in St Brid’s and I know the commitment, skill and care within these school communities. I am genuinely delighted that all four of Mayo’s special schools are included in this expansion,” she said.

Minister Dara Calleary also welcomed confirmation that the four Mayo schools will join the expanded service.

He described the announcement as an important step in supporting children.

“This announcement is a very significant step forward in delivering on the Government’s commitment to bring therapy supports closer to children, their families and the schools that support them every day,” Minister Calleary said.

He said the model responds to individual needs while helping create inclusive school environments where all learners can participate meaningfully.

“I am very pleased that the Department has sanctioned the expansion of this service for St. Dymphna’s, Ballina; St. Nicholas’, Ballina; St. Anthony’s, Castlebar and St. Brid’s, Castlebar,” he added. “I wish each of the four school communities well for the year ahead.”