Education Therapy Service expands to Donegal’s Special Schools

Education Therapy Service has expanded to include two schools in Donegal.

The announcement, which saw 19 schools included nationwide, was made by the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, and the Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan.

Donegal’s only special schools, St Bernadette’s and Little Angels, in Letterkenny, will receive direct, in‑school therapeutic supports delivered through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). It is expected that the students will have access to therapy supports by the end of the first school term of the 2026/27 academic year.

“This is a very positive development for children, families and school communities across Donegal,” Fianna Fáil TD Pat The Cope Gallagher said. “Access to therapy supports within the school setting can make a profound difference to a child’s educational experience, helping them to participate fully and reach their potential.

“Embedding therapists directly in schools ensures earlier intervention, stronger collaboration with staff and better outcomes for students. I want to acknowledge the ongoing work of the NCSE, school leaders, therapists and families who have advocated for these supports.

“I will continue to monitor progress as therapist assignments take place over the coming weeks, and I will work to ensure that Donegal’s special schools receive the full benefit of this important service.”

The ETS expansion builds on the initial rollout earlier this year, bringing the total number of participating special schools to 64. Therapy supports for the newly added schools are expected to be in place by the end of the first term of the 2026/27 academic year, with further national expansion planned throughout 2027.

This marks the first time the ETS will operate in every county with a special school.

“It’s extremely important that the Department continues to expand the ETS,” Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalgue, added. “Having therapists in Donegal’s Special Schools supporting children and working with staff will greatly bolster the school day. It also means families can be assured their child can participate fully in school and avail of the high-quality supports they need to thrive and develop in a supportive and caring environment”.

Under the ETS, therapy is delivered through a multi-tiered model of support that responds to children's individual needs while also fostering inclusive environments where all learners can meaningfully participate. The model recognises the importance of supporting individuals, whole classes and wider school communities.

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