Minister welcomes new Education Therapy Service for Kildare special schools

Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Martin Heydon has said that five schools in Kildare are to benefit from a new Education Therapy Service (ETS). 

Minister Heydon was speaking today (Friday) after Fine Gael Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton announced details of the first phase of the new Education Therapy Services (ETS).

The scheme is initially being rolled out to: 

• Craddockstown Special School;

• St Anne’s Special School, the Curragh; 

• St Raphael’s Special School, Celbridge; 

• Stepping Stones Special School;

• Maynooth and Saplings Special School, Kill.

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).

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Minister Heydon said: “The Education Therapy Service represents a major step forward in how we support children with additional needs in our schools. By embedding therapists directly within school communities, we are ensuring that children can access timely, practical and joined-up support in the place where they learn every day.

“Today’s announcement marks the first phase in delivering this important service. The roll-out will continue throughout 2026, with further recruitment planned. A rolling national recruitment campaign will continue to ensure therapy needs across the school system are met.”

Concluding, Minister Heydon said: “This is a very positive step for children with additional needs and their families here in Kildare. I want to especially thank the principals and staff of our schools, along with the professionals who are part of this community and who play such an important role in delivering a service that will ensure that every child who needs support can get the best possible start in life.”