SENAP began life as ‘The West Cork Parents Action Group’ in October 2004, when a group of parents of children with special needs came together because of their growing concern about the serious gaps in educational provision for their children.

The group’s overall aim is to seek a better education for children with special needs and to provide support for the parents of such children, who are often isolated and frustrated by their experiences of the education system. It was felt that an umbrella group was necessary to represent and promote the views of parents and to aid their role in partnership with the education system.

While SENAP/WCPAG are based in West Cork, we are keen to establish connections with parents and other groups throughout Ireland so that together we can build local and national consensus and a coordinated approach to achieving our aims.