Moving from Pre-school to Primary School

The HSE Developmental and Autism Psychology Service for Carlow/Kilkenny created this video on this topic. 

National Council for Special Education (NCSE)

The NCSE's local service is delivered through a national network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). All parents who will be applying for a specialist school placement for their child such as an autism class and/or a special school should always link in with their local SENO. They work with parents and schools and liaise with the HSE in providing resources to support children with special educational needs.

While the above video references local contact details for Carlow/Kilkenny, details on the work of SENOs and how to contact your local team can be found here. You can also use their interactive map to find local contacts in your area and to see what special schools there are close to your home. 

See also their Online Resources section for parents which is divided out as follows: early years, primary school, post-primary school, special class/school. 

Further resources and information

• Preparing young children for Primary school. A NCSE resource for parents, early learning and care settings and schools 
• The NCSE have a video on starting primary school which is for children with additional needs
• A school social story by Enable Ireland: My new school 
• The NCSE communication passport for pupils
• The National Parents Council leaflet on Supporting your child’s transition from Pre-school to Primary School 
• The NCSE Starting school: Guidelines for parents/guardians of children with special educational needs 
• Down Syndrome Ireland have the following two helpful resources:
  • Supporting Children with Down Syndrome in Primary School
  • Support Children with Down Syndrome in a Special Schools
• Ambitions for Transitions – A Guide to Support Every Child’s Progression from Early Years Services to Primary School