Our Autism class provides a specialist, supportive learning environment for pupils who meet the Department of Education and National Council for Special Education (NCSE) criteria for an autism special class placement.
Step 1: Parents Notify (NCSE)
There is a national procedure for applying for a place in a special class. Parents/guardians must notify the NCSE that their child needs a special class placement.
For children seeking a special class place for September 2027:
- The online Parents Notify form should be completed by 1 September 2026.
- Professional reports and supporting documents should be submitted by 15 September 2026, or as soon as possible after that date if they are not yet available.
NCSE uses the information you provide to decide if your child meets the criteria for a special class or special school place. Where the criteria are met, NCSE issues an eligibility letter. This letter is required when seeking a place in an autism class or other special class.
To complete Parents Notify, parents will need:
- The child’s PPS Number and date of birth
- Home address and Eircode
- Relevant professional report(s)
- A student support plan, if available
Details about Parents Notify and the online form are available on the NCSE website under “Parents Notify – Special Class/Special School Placement.”
Step 2: Application to Dunboyne Junior Primary School
After Parents Notify has been completed and, where appropriate, an NCSE eligibility letter has been issued, parents should submit an application to the Autism Class at Dunboyne Junior Primary School.
Applications should be made in line with the school’s Admissions Policy and Annual Admission Notice, including any closing dates and criteria published for that intake year.
The Autism Class in Dunboyne Junior Primary School provides education for pupils who meet the criteria for an autism special class, as set out by the Department of Education and the NCSE. Professional reports confirming a diagnosis of autism and recommending special class placement, along with NCSE confirmation of eligibility, are required as part of the application.
The NCSE eligibility letter confirms that your child is eligible for a special class placement, but it does not guarantee a place in any particular school. Places are offered in accordance with our published admissions criteria and the number of available places in the Autism Class.
If you need help with the Parents Notify process or have questions about eligibility, you may contact our local Special Educational Needs Officer (SENO): Mary Hughes, Special Educational Needs Officer (SENO), National Council for Special Education (NCSE), Government Buildings, Kilcairn, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 FEF2, Telephone: 01 603 3330, Email: Mary.Hughes@ncse.ie
