Creative art therapists 'ready, willing, and able' to provide services to special schools

The Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists (IACAT), which includes almost 440 members nationwide, is now seeking to support special schools in efforts to deliver onsite therapy.

A new national education therapy service is due to begin its roll out this September in 45 special schools. The programme is expected to begin with speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. 

There is extensive research available on the effectiveness of the provision of art therapies within schools, according to IACAT chairwoman Andrea Plunkett.

“Creative therapists are skilled in using art, music, drama, and other creative modalities to help young people express emotions they may not be able to articulate verbally,” Ms Plunkett said. 

This can be incredibly beneficial for students who face barriers to communication or emotional regulation. 

“Creative art therapies can be brilliant for neurodivergent kids too, helping with sensory regulation and social skills through creative, hands-on activities.”

Currently schools working with creatve arts therapists must fund the work themselves. Creative arts therapy can focus on a range of issues across the system, particularly when it comes to emotional regulation, school avoidance, mental health issues, and bullying. 

Access to most in-school therapies, such as speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy, was severely curtailed during 2020 when therapists were removed from schools.

With Government approval to establish a new Education Therapy Service secured, the National Council for Special Education is expected now to commence work on its rollout, with an aim to provide 90 therapists to work in 45 special schools in the next school year.

A further roll out is expected in the 2026/27 school year. While the new therapy service will commence initially in special schools, it is intended that it will roll out down the line in special classes and mainstream schools.