The National Association for Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE) was founded in the late 1960’s to provide a forum of expression and be a representative body for Boards of Management of any recognised school in the Republic of Ireland providing education for children with special education needs.
The work of NABMSE was undertaken on a voluntary capacity until funding was obtained from Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in 2004 when a full time office was established. Subsequently, a management grant was awarded by Department of Education and Skills which allows it to employ a General Secretary and part time Administrator and deliver a service to it’s members.
The Central Executive Committee (CEC) is responsible for the running of NABMSE and is elected at each AGM. This voluntary committee endeavours to reflect all members of a Board of Management and CEC currently consist of patron’s reps, trustee reps, teacher reps and principals.
Some of the achievements of NABMSE to date include:
- Recognised Partner in Education
- Involvement in the 1998 Education Act and EPSEN Act
- Having representation on various statutory bodies such as NCCA
- Involvement in the development and distribution of Curriculum Guidelines for pupils with Special Educational Needs
- Successful lobbying for Bus Escorts for children with Special Educational Needs
- Input into the setting up of National Education Psychological Service(NEPS)
For further information on NABMSE’s services, please check How do we do it?