Wexford parents dismayed as they are told daughter cannot start school in September

For all students, the end of play school marks an end to one chapter, but the start of another bigger and better chapter…

Many families and students across Wexford and indeed Ireland are gearing up for the big change. Both students and families typically are excited. The trip to the stationary store to purchase a new pencil case, a new bag, or new pencils is an experience in itself for excited young students just finishing playschool as they get ready for ‘big school’.

But for Lorraine Dempsey and Martin Dempsey – the parents of their young daughter who has finished play school, that is not the case.

On Monday, they were informed by the principal at Scoil Naomh Maodhog at Ferns National School that their daughter cannot attend primary school in September, when school starts:

“Our little girl has been stopped from starting school in September because the NCSE has decided to pause reviews, so the schools can apply for SNA. She is disabled physically – not mentally – and now she is being held back,” Martin told Wexford Weekly.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) works to improve the delivery of education services to people with special educational needs.

Meanwile, her mother Lorraine also shared similar sentiments, questioning the decision to review the case in September when school is due to start.

Given it is only mid-June – and that it is still three months away from schools re-opening, there should be adequate time anyway:

“What a lovely little country we live in, they say kids have a right to an education. Today, I was told that my daughter can not start school in September along with her little buddies from playschool, all because the school can’t request a review from NCSE. They have decided to pause reviews until September. September when it’s all to late when other boys and girls have started. They open in September but how long will the school be waiting for approval or rejection it could be weeks, months all the while my little girl sits at home and gets no education! Where is the fairness in that? How do we sit there and tell my 5 year old that she can’t attend school? How do we hold back the tears from the heartbreak all while trying to be strong for her,” Lorraine said.

Although the situation is a bad one, both Lorraine and Martin are aware that they are not the only family in this situation. In Dublin in February 2025, a large group of concerned parents protested outside about the lack of special education places in schools. And while people can be quick to judge the school, or the principal, Lorraine has said that cannot be further than the truth:

We know we’re not the only parents going through this and unfortunately we won’t be the last. We would also like to make it very clear that this is not the schools fault. In fact, quiet the opposite. The Principal has gone above and beyond for us and is equally just as upset as we are. He has truly shown us so much support him, along with his staff – all of them,” she said.

Regarding a date of when the review would be concluded, Martin said:

“The Principal has said they have paused the review until September. We don’t know how long after they receive the review when a decision will be made,” he said.

At the time of writing, both Lorraine and Martin have contacted some local councillors and TD’s to help with their cause. They are hoping that this matter is dealt with urgently to allow their young daughter to attend primary school in September with all of her friends.

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