Special education: Number of early intervention classes falls in some counties

The number of early intervention classes for pre-school autistic children remains low across the State, with many counties seeing no increase, or even a reduction. Picture: iStock

The number of early intervention classes for pre-school autistic children remains low across the State, with many counties seeing no increase, or even a reduction.

For this school year, there are 158 early intervention classes across Ireland, which are intended to provide early support to children before they start school.

This compares to 157 in 2024 and 2023, and 152 in 2022. 

In 2020, there were 136 early intervention classes open nationwide.

Fewer early intervention classes in Cork and Dublin 

Both Cork and Dublin now have less early intervention classes in 2025 than they had in 2020.

Cork, which had 27 classes in 2020, now has 22, while Dublin, which had 20 classes, now has 19.

The figures, which were released by the Department of Education to Sinn Féin via parliamentary question, show that 18 counties have either seen a reduction or no increase in the number of classes since 2023.

Sinn Féin education spokesman Darren O’Rourke said it is “seriously concerning” that there has been no significant progress to establish additional early intervention classes despite clear demand. He said: 

“Early intervention classes are vital for many children with additional needs.” 

These classes allow children to receive targeted support before they begin primary school to improve their developmental, social, and academic outcomes. 

In his county of Meath, the number of classes has remained the same since 2023 while the county’s population continues to increase along with the demand for schools and supports for children with additional needs.

“There is no doubt this is the case across the State,” said Mr O’Rourke.

Where counties have increased over the past five years, it is only by miniscule amounts, he added.

“In no instance would the slight increase we have seen be enough to satisfy the demand.”

Research demonstrates that early intervention vastly improves outcomes for children, he added.

“Therefore, focusing on early intervention makes sense.

Ignoring the evidence and ignoring these children until they reach school age is incredibly short sighted and is going to exacerbate what already is a serious crisis in special education.

In response to the parliamentary question, education minister Helen McEntee said the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs.

“Where the NCSE identifies need for an early intervention class, the class is sanctioned, and supports are provided by my department to ensure the school can accommodate the class,” she said.

“Generally, these classes are resourced at a six-to-one student/teacher ratio and two special needs assistants are allocated to each class.

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“In addition to early intervention classes is the access and inclusion model [AIM] under the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.”

This is to enable the full inclusion of children with disabilities [or] additional needs in the Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme programme.

“There has been a significant increase in resources and supports provided to children with additional needs accessing the AIM programme over recent years,” Ms McEntee added.