Three special schools in Waterford are set to receive additional therapy supports under an expansion of the Education Therapy Service.

St Martin’s Special School, St Joseph’s Special School and St John’s Special School have been included in the latest rollout announced by Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton.

The service provides therapeutic support to children and young people with special educational needs within their school environment, allowing therapists to work alongside education staff.

The three Waterford schools are among 19 being added to the programme nationwide and are expected to have access to the supports by the end of the first term of the 2026/27 academic year.

The Education Therapy Service is delivered by the National Council for Special Education, with further expansion to all special schools planned throughout 2027.

Minister Naughton said the latest phase means the service will now extend to every county with a special school.

Waterford Minister of State John Cummins welcomed the inclusion of the three schools, saying access to therapeutic professionals within schools can help children ‘participate, learn and thrive’.

Engagement with the schools will take place in the coming weeks ahead of therapists being assigned.