Irish school support

NEPS assessment in Ireland: what parents need to know

NEPS is the Department of Education's school-based educational psychology service. Parents do not normally book a NEPS psychologist directly. Start by discussing the child's needs with the class teacher or principal so the school can review support and decide whether NEPS consultation or casework is appropriate.

What NEPS does

The Department says each NEPS psychologist is assigned to a group of schools. The service combines casework for individual children and young people with support and development work that helps schools plan inclusive, evidence-informed support.

Not every child needs to meet a psychologist in person. NEPS uses a consultative, problem-solving model so a psychologist may help the school understand needs, plan interventions and review progress without immediately conducting an individual assessment.

How a school referral works

1. Discuss the specific learning, participation, wellbeing or development concern with the teacher or principal.
2. Ask what support has been tried, what evidence has been recorded and when it will be reviewed.
3. The school may consult its NEPS psychologist as part of the Continuum of Support.
4. If progress remains limited despite appropriate support, the school may prioritise the child for NEPS casework.
5. Ask the school to explain the decision and the next review point in plain language.

What is SCPA?

The Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments allows eligible schools to commission work from psychologists on a current panel where NEPS sanctions it. The Department describes SCPA as an interim supplement rather than a substitute for the full NEPS service.

An SCPA assessment must be authorised in advance by NEPS, and only a psychologist on the current panel can complete work under the scheme. A parent privately hiring an educational psychologist is not the same thing as receiving a NEPS or SCPA assessment.

When families consider a private assessment

A private educational psychology assessment may be considered where a family wants a particular question explored or needs a report for a defined purpose. Before paying, ask the school, college or other receiving organisation what evidence it currently needs. Do not assume a private report guarantees a particular resource, placement or accommodation.

Questions for a private educational psychologist

• What is the exact referral question, and is a full assessment necessary?
• What relevant qualifications and professional recognition does the psychologist hold?
• Which records, interviews and assessment tasks are included?
• Does the fee include feedback, a written report, recommendations and follow-up?
• How will the psychologist involve the child and communicate with the school?
• Will the intended organisation accept this form and age of report?

Support should not wait for a test result

The Department's model expects schools to identify needs, plan support and review progress through the Continuum of Support. A diagnosis can add useful information, but practical teaching and support decisions should respond to the needs already observed.

For reading and writing concerns, our dyslexia assessment guide, cost guide and step-by-step guide explain related routes.

Sources and review date

• Department of Education: NEPS, parent information and SCPA
• Department of Education: inclusive education and NEPS
• Department of Education: current SET guidance
• Psychological Society of Ireland: Chartered Member directory

Frequently asked questions

Can a parent book a NEPS assessment directly?

Normally no. The Department advises parents to start with the class teacher or principal; the school manages consultation and referral with its assigned NEPS psychologist.

Is a school-arranged NEPS assessment free?

Yes. The Department states there is no charge where a school arranges an assessment through NEPS.

Is a private psychologist the same as NEPS?

No. A privately commissioned assessment is separate. SCPA work is also separate and must be sanctioned by NEPS in advance using a psychologist on the current panel.

Reviewed: 31 July 2026. Routes and services can change; confirm current requirements with the relevant Irish service or provider.