Trina's Thoughts
â Key Points for 26/27â
- Mainstream class size staying at 23:1 for the 4th year running. No changes to mainstream staffing schedule (Appendix A).
- SET reviewed and changes made. Same criteria as last year. No change to model to include complex needs, developing schools or any other controversial p ...
My first âCluster Gamesâ post/rant was back on Twitter in 2020 (should have trademarked âCluster Gamesâ at that point. A merch line would have sold well.) It was a reflection on my first cluster games experience and a cautionary tale for new school leaders to avoid the ignorance that led to the most...
Examining the implications of the 2026/27 pause on SNA reductions
In my last blog, From SNA Freeze to 2025/26: A Preventable Crisis, I wrote that until there is honest acknowledgement of how we got here, we risk repeating the same cycle again.
I described this moment as a fork in the road for spec...
Why this school yearâs SNA shock didnât have to happen
The disruption weâre seeing this school year didnât have to unfold this way.
The SNA reductions.
The 190 schools affected.
The media backlash.
The pause on issuing further review letters while âconsultationâ takes place.
None of this was sudd...
Relevant Documents:
Please note, the INTO host an annual supplementary panel webinar for members. Keep an eye out and register once it's announced. INTO need to be your go to for any specific supplementary panel questions:
What is the supplemen...
I like to take some time to reflect after IPPN conference. The come down can be hard, it often feels like post-conference blues for a little while. We spend the weeks leading up to it looking forward to it and the conference itself is such a high, that when it's done it's like oh, what now!Â
I met ...
Budget 2026 was announced on Tuesday, 7th October 2025. I've shared the key features and my thoughts below.
Capitation/Funding
Key Features:
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âŹ50 capitation increase per pupil.
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This is a permanent increase.
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No âCost of Livingâ grant this year, meaning an effective increase of âŹ14 per...
Over the past week, the advocacy campaign on the SNA Review has received responses from the NCSE (Helen Walsh, Head of Inclusion and Education Support Services), various government politicians, and the Minister for Education, Helen McEntee.
On the surface, these responses look reassuring. But read ...
The new guidelines for SNA review for 25/26 have been released. You can find them here along with other documentation Guidelines for SNA review.
*Here is a template for staff or parents to use to advocate on this issue with unions, representatives and politicians.Â
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Key changes:
- The guideline ...
You can read the circular in full here:https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/approach-and-key-measures-to-support-the-forward-planning-for-special-education-provision-for-the-20262027-school-year-and-beyond/
The focus is on special classes and special schools
Here is a summary fo...
73 schools across 19 counties have offered to support schools opening a new Autism class in September, via advice or school visits.
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A huge thank you to each and every one that offered in such a busy time in schools. Your experience and expertise will be invaluable to those starting out.
Take th...
The next steps in the new curriculum rollout were published today. There was also a document specifically for FAQs about MFL. I've linked both docs below. Timeline and details summarised below.
Documents
Key Points
- Moving away from the support day ...
