Calls to increase support for expanding Kildare special school
Senator Aubrey McCarthy seeks additional six hours of secretarial support for Saplings Special School in Kill
Kildare Senator Aubrey McCarthy has written to the Minister for Education seeking an urgent review of the secretarial allocation at Saplings Special School in Kill, Co. Kildare.
Following an expansion at the request of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), the school increased from five to seven classes in September 2026, with enrolment rising from 30 to 42 pupils with autism and complex needs.
Despite this 40% increase in enrolment, the school’s secretarial allocation remains unchanged at 29 hours per week.
The school is seeking an additional 6 hours to bring its secretarial position to full-time status (35 hours per week), citing increased administrative demands, including communication with parents and external agencies, support for a larger staff team and additional governance responsibilities.
Comparable special schools, including Saplings Special School in Carlow and Belmayne Community Special School, receive full-time secretarial support despite having fewer pupils and classes.
The senator has asked the Minister to review the allocation and ensure administrative support reflects the school’s expanded capacity and responsibilities.