You have the right to choose which school is attended

As your child's parent or caregiver, you have the right to choose which school you wish your child to attend, unless the school has an enrolment scheme in place, approved by the Secretary for Education. (Note: that an enrolment scheme cannot be used to exclude children by virtue of their special education needs alone).

Under the Education Act 1989, all children from 5 years old have the right to go to their local school until the end of the school year in which they turn 19. Students with a Section 9 Agreement or who are in the Ongoing and Reviewable Resourcing Schemes (ORRS) may stay in school to the age of 21.

Schools have an obligation to ensure that students have a safe physical and emotional environment. If this involves modifying property or making specialist services available, the school works with the Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE) or other agencies to address these needs. Schools also work with parents and caregivers to develop a plan and timeframe outlining when the support will be in place.

If you are having difficulties and you cannot resolve them by talking to your child's classroom teacher, the school principal, or by going through the school's complaints policy and procedures, contact your local Ministry of Education, National Operations Support Manager. Your local GSE office will be able to provide you with their contact details.