Education Therapy Service
Education Therapy Service
NCSE Education Therapy Service
On this page, you can read about the Education Therapy Service (ETS) and the latest updates.
The page covers:
– What is the ETS?
– The 3 strands of ETS
– The ETS Model of Support
– Current Updates: ETS Strand 1 Embedded Therapy Supports
– More information if you are a parent or a school
– Frequently asked questions about the ETS
– Ongoing and upcoming activities
Education Therapy Service
What is the Education Therapy Service (ETS)?
The Education Therapy Service (ETS) works with schools and families to maximise the inclusion, participation and educational potential of children and young people. It aims to support children and young people to take part and thrive in school.
Education Therapy Service
Promoting Inclusive Education
The Education Therapy Service promotes inclusive education.
The ETS will work alongside:
– NCSE colleagues
– School staff
– Parents
– The National Educational Psychology Service (NEPS)
– The HSE
Education Therapy Service
Overview of the Education Therapy Service
ETS provides three strands of speech and language therapy and occupational therapy support to the education system. The ETS therapists work with schools to ensure all children and young people reach their educational potential.
By strands, we mean different kinds of services or supports.
The three strands are outlined below:
Strand 1 is new for 2025/2026 and strands 2 and 3 are already in place.
Strand 1 – Embedded Therapy Support
In strand 1, the ETS assigns speech and language therapists and occupational therapists to schools to work closely with students and teachers. By embedded we mean that the therapist is an important part of the school community.
An embedded therapy service will help to develop strong relationships between therapists, teachers, special needs assistants and parents, which are essential for inclusive education.
This allows for:
– Co-design
– Joint problem solving
– Consistency across home and school
– Collaboration across existing children’s services
This ensures that children with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support.
Strand 1 is a new part of the service for 2025/2026, starting with special schools. See press release and FAQ below.
Strand 2 – Sustained In-school Therapy (SIT)
This involves our therapists working intensively with selected schools over two years focusing on the needs identified with the school.
50 schools are part of this strand since September 2025.
You can read more in the FAQs below.
This is an existing service.
Strand 3 – Regional Therapy (RT)
This involves Teacher Professional Learning (TPL). It includes a range of follow-on supports for all teachers who attend TPL.
All schools can apply for TPL via the NCSE portal.
This is an existing service.
Education Therapy Service
Model of support
The ETS model of support has three tiers (levels):
Tier 1: Universal
This is whole-school supports like consistent use of visuals or sensory spaces to make daily routines easier for all children.
Tier 2: Targeted
This is additional focused support which may include group work focusing on language or motor skills.
Tier 3: Intensive or individualised supports.
This may include an OT/SLT working with school staff to change teaching routines to support the inclusion of a child.
Education Therapy Service
Phase 1
Education Therapy Service – Phase 1
Minister announces first phase of roll-out of the new Education Therapy Services (ETS)
Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, and Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan, have announced details of the first phased roll-out of the new Education Therapy Services (ETS).
The Education Therapy Service (ETS), a standalone commitment under the Programme for Government, represents a major cross departmental initiative to strengthen supports for children with special educational needs. The new therapy service will be delivered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
Education Therapy Service – Phase 1
Further Information
Education Therapy Service – Phase 1
What Schools Can Expect from the Education Therapy Service (ETS)
Education Therapy Service – Phase 1
What Parents Can Expect from the Education Therapy Service (ETS)
Education Therapy Service – Phase 1
Education Therapy Service – Service Delivery and Integration with existing Children Services
Education Therapy Service – Phase 1
Frequently Asked Questions
View a list of the most frequently asked questions relating to the new Education Therapy Service. We update this page often.
Education Therapy Service
Ongoing and Upcoming Activities
The NCSE and Department of Education and Youth are working with existing services and consulting with parents, school leaders, and professional bodies to build a system that can provide the best possible outcomes for all children.