Dear Parents/Guardians,
We hope this message finds you well. The National Parents Council (www.npc.ie) is excited to bring to your attention a unique opportunity for your child to contribute to the review of the EPSEN Act 2004. Researchers from the School of Education at University College Dublin (UCD) are conducting focus groups to gain insights into the experiences of children and young people, and we invite your child to be a part of this important initiative.
About the EPSEN Act 2004 Review: The Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, Ms Josepha Madigan, has tasked researchers at UCD with exploring children and young people’s experiences under the EPSEN Act, 2004. This legislation was introduced to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs receive the necessary support in schools.
Why Your Child’s Participation Matters: We believe that your child’s unique experiences can provide valuable insights that will shape the future of special education support. By participating in focus groups, your child will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas about the EPSEN Act, 2004, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance educational support for all.
Details of the Focus Groups:
- Participants: Children and young people of ALL abilities aged 10 to 18 years
- Format: Four groups of 12-15 participants
- Venue: Three in-person groups and one online group
- Recording: Various methods such as audio recordings, note-taking, and worksheets
What to Do Next: If your child is interested in participating, we encourage you to reach out to the UCD EPSEN Research Team by emailing epsen@ucd.ie . Simply express your child’s interest in taking part, and the UCD team will guide you through the necessary steps.
Deadline: 24th of January, 2024
We understand that some children may prefer not to be part of focus groups. In such cases, an alternative option is available – an activity pack will be posted to them, allowing them to contribute in a way that suits their comfort level.
Your support and your child’s involvement are crucial to the success of this review. Together, we can ensure that the EPSEN Act, 2004 continues to meet the diverse needs of all children. Further information can be found below.
· Invitation to Child Focus Groups
· Information sheet for Children
· Information sheet for Parents/ Guardians
Thank you for considering this important opportunity for your child’s participation.
St Pius X Parents Association 