In-school therapy service “vital support” to children and parents
Two schools in Longford and Westmeath have been included in the first phase of the new Education Therapy Service (ETS).
St Hildas Special School in Westmeath and St Christopher's Special School in Longford will be part of a new National Council for Special Education initiative to provide in-school speech and language therapy and occupational therapy for students with special educational needs
Minister Robert Troy described it as a “game-changer” for children with additional needs and their families across the constituency.
The Fianna Fáil TD for Longford Westmeath said: “The new service championed by my colleague Minister for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan, will see therapists embedded directly in school communities to provide vital, joined-up support for students.”
Minster Troy said the inclusion of St. Hilda's Special School in Westmeath and St. Christopher's Special School in Longford in this first phase is hugely positive news for families locally: “This is a landmark step forward in how we support children with special educational needs, and I am particularly pleased to see these outstanding schools included from the very beginning,” he said.
The Minister for State at the Department of Finance said: “St. Christophers and St. Hildas do incredible work every day. Having therapy support delivered directly in schools will make a real difference to children’s development, learning and wellbeing, while also easing pressure on families who often face long waits or travel to access services.”
The Education Therapy Service is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and will be delivered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). It is designed to complement existing health and disability services, ensuring children receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.
Minister Troy said the initiative reflects Fianna Fáil’s focus on building inclusive services that support every child to reach their full potential.
“Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to strengthening special education and ensuring no child is left behind. Embedding therapists in schools is a practical, family-centred reform that will provide more timely and coordinated support where children learn every day,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing the service expand further in the months ahead so that even more schools and families across Longford and Westmeath can benefit.”
Recruitment for the first 90 therapists to support the 45 schools announced today has now concluded, with therapists to be appointed to specific schools in the coming months. Schools are also being contacted to begin planning for how the service will be delivered and integrated locally.