Tipperary welcomes new community special school for children with autism and complex needs

Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB) has inaugurated its 13th school under its patronage, with the opening of Nenagh Community Special School (CSS) on September 18, 2025. The new establishment caters to children aged 4 to 18 with autism or complex learning needs, offering a tailored educational environment.

The creation of the school has been a rapid undertaking. Announced last winter for the 2025/26 academic year, the project required significant planning, construction and recruitment, as well as the relocation of Head Office functions across town to Tyone, a nearby townland just southwest of Nenagh.

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The ETB’s Senior Leadership Team expressed gratitude to staff, students and parents for their patience and dedication throughout the process.

Situated on Church Road, Nenagh CSS provides a continuum of education from primary to post-primary levels. Admission is open to students who have reached the age of four by 31 August of the relevant academic year.

All students follow a curriculum prescribed by the Department of Education, adapted to their individual needs and delivered through a combination of teaching methodologies. Each pupil benefits from an Individual Educational Plan, developed in collaboration with their multidisciplinary support team.

The school operates under the interim management of a Single Manager, pending the establishment of a Board of Management. Once appointed, the board will include representatives from Tipperary ETB, parents, staff and the local community.

Nenagh CSS is funded by Department of Education grants and adheres to national rules and circulars for special schools, with staffing allocations determined by the Department.

In a statement, the ETB emphasised the importance of forging strong relationships with students, their families and all parties involved in their care.

Staff at Nenagh CSS are tasked with providing a supportive yet challenging environment, aiming to foster the personal, social and academic development of some of the country’s most vulnerable young people.

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