SNA Review
SNA Review
What is a SNA Review?
The NCSE Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Review is a thorough review of each, individual school’s care needs. It makes sure schools have the right SNA support to support their care, attendance and participation in school.
Key Dates
| Application Window Opens | Application Window Closes | |
|---|---|---|
| Application Window 1 | Monday 14th September 2026 | Friday 23rd October 2026 at 5pm |
| Application Window 2 | Monday 07th December 2026 | Friday 11th December 2026 at 5pm |
SNA Review
Types of SNA Review
The NCSE reviews a school’s SNA allocation.
– Where a school seeks additional SNA support, the NCSE will make an appointment to visit the school and review their overall allocation.
– On a national and three-yearly basis.
Please contact your local SENO if you have any questions about the SNA review process.
SNA REVIEW
How the SNA Review Process Works
The SNA Review Process has two phases. In phase 1, the local Special Educational Needs Organiser carries out a review which includes looking at:
– The primary care needs of students in the school
– The school’s SNA deployment practice
– Details on school practices
In phase 2, the outcome of the review is considered by the Review Panel.
SNA Review
Department of Education & Youth Circulars
View Circular 0030/2014
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme to support teachers in meeting the care needs of some children with special educational needs, arising from a disability
SNA Review
Forms and Applications
Click on each block in the list below.
Special School Care Needs Record
The Special School Care Needs Record should be completed for each class in a special school that is subject to review.
A separate form must be completed for each class, outlining the primary care needs of the students within that class. The Special School Summary Form is the only form required and this must be completed separately for each class.
Special Class Summary Form Students enrolled in a special class that is subject to review should not be included in the school Care Needs Record Form. Instead, complete a special class summary form for each special class that outlines the primary care needs of the students in that class.
Mainstream School Care Needs Record Form
The Mainstream School Care Needs Record Form is for primary and post primary mainstream schools.
All students attending mainstream classes with primary care needs should be recorded on this form. Students attending special classes should not be recorded on the mainstream form they should be recorded on the Special Class Summary Form.
Consent Form The NCSE requires the consent of parents or guardians to access student information to plan and provide special educational and support services. Please make sure to submit a completed consent form with your SNA Review application.
Parent/ Guardian and Student Questionnaire The parent/ guardian and student questionnaire provides an opportunity to listen to and understand the experiences, views, and feelings of both the student and their parent/guardian regarding the student’s care needs in school.
NCSE School Portal
Submit your SNA Review application
Submit your application for a SNA Review through the NCSE School Portal. Ensure to attach the completed forms.
To submit an application,
– Log in to the NCSE School Portal
– Create a New support ticket
– Select SNA Review from the Type menu.
– Complete the required fields
– Click Submit
Once this request is received, NCSE will contact you, either through the portal or by phone, within ten school days.