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Quick Start Guide

Getting started with SENScribe.

Create, refine and manage student support files and plans in one place.

Department of Education Framework

The Problem-Solving Process

SENScribe is built around the Department of Education's four-step cyclical process for identifying and addressing student needs.

Step 1

What is the concern?

Identify priority concerns and learning needs.

Step 2

Why is it happening?

Gather observations, assessment information and relevant evidence.

Step 3

How can we help?

Develop targeted supports, interventions and SMART targets.

Step 4

Did it work?

Review progress and refine planning over time.

Based on the Department of Education's Continuum of Support framework.

Quick Start Steps

Step 1

Enter Your Observations

Type your informal notes about the student. Use everyday language - describe what you've observed in class without worrying about formal phrasing.

Example: "Sean struggles to focus during reading time. He gets frustrated easily and sometimes refuses to try."
Step 2

Select the Support Level

Choose the appropriate level from the Continuum of Support: Classroom Support, School Support, or School Support Plus.

Tip: Not sure which level? Level 1 is for early intervention with classroom strategies. Level 3 is for students requiring external professional support.
Step 3

Generate Your Draft

SENScribe transforms your notes into professional language aligned with Department guidance, producing SMART targets and structured support plans.

Step 4

Review, Edit & Export

Review the generated content, rewrite individual sections, download as a formatted PDF, or share with parents for digital sign-off.

Important: Always review AI-generated content. You know your student best.
Your notes

“Cian is great at maths but really struggles with reading. He avoids it, gets upset when asked to read aloud. His mam says he's the same at home. We tried a reading buddy but he won't engage.”

Generated draft

“Cian demonstrates strong numerical reasoning skills. He presents with persistent difficulties in literacy, particularly in reading fluency and decoding. He displays task avoidance behaviours during reading activities and becomes emotionally dysregulated when asked to read aloud. Parent reports similar patterns in the home environment. A peer-supported reading intervention was trialled with limited engagement.”

What SENScribe Can & Can't Do

Understanding these boundaries helps you get the best results.

SENScribe Can

  • Transform informal notes into professional, Department-aligned language
  • Generate SMART targets appropriate to each support level
  • Suggest evidence-based interventions and strategies
  • Use neuroaffirmative, strengths-based phrasing throughout
  • Redact names and generalise diagnoses before AI processing

SENScribe Cannot

  • Diagnose conditions - it describes behaviours, not labels
  • Invent details - it only uses what you provide
  • Replace professional judgement - always review output
  • Access external data - it doesn't know the student
  • Answer unrelated questions - it stays focused on SEN

Understanding the Continuum of Support

SENScribe adjusts its language, targets, and recommendations based on the level you select.

Level 1

Classroom Support

For students who need some additional support within the regular classroom. Strategies implemented by the class teacher as part of normal differentiation.

When to use

Mild difficulties responding to standard teaching approaches
Needs minor adjustments to classroom routines
Benefits from targeted small-group instruction
Level 2

School Support

For students requiring more systematic support, often involving the learning support or resource teacher. A Student Support Plan is typically created at this level.

When to use

Persistent difficulties despite classroom interventions
Requires targeted intervention programmes
Benefits from small group or individual support
Level 3

School Support Plus

For students with complex or enduring needs requiring sustained support, often involving external professionals (NEPS, HSE, NCSE).

When to use

Significant and persistent learning difficulties
Requires individualised planning and external consultation
May need access to additional supports (SNA, assistive technology)

For detailed guidance, see the Department of Education Continuum of Support guidelines.

Tips for Better Results

Small changes to how you write your notes make a big difference in output quality.

Be Specific

Instead of "has trouble reading", try "reads at approximately 6 months below age level, struggles with decoding unfamiliar words".

Include Context

Mention when and where behaviours occur: "During whole-class teaching" or "At unstructured times like yard".

Note What Works

Include strategies that have helped: "Responds well to visual timetables" or "Calms when given movement breaks".

Describe, Don't Diagnose

Write what you observe, not conditions. Say "difficulty sustaining attention" rather than "has ADHD".

Start with Strengths

Include at least one positive: "Good at maths but struggles with..." leads to more balanced, neuroaffirmative drafts.

Include All Names

Use real names in your notes - they're redacted in your browser before AI generation. All saved data is encrypted end-to-end.

Built for Irish Schools

Every feature designed around how SEN teams actually work.

Zero-Knowledge Privacy

Names redacted client-side, encrypted storage, never used for AI training.

PDF Export

Download formatted PDFs with your school logo, ready for filing or printing.

Irish Language

Generate entire plans as Gaeilge for Gaeltacht and Irish-medium schools.

Parent Sharing

Send secure links for parents to view, comment, and digitally sign plans.

Section Rewriting

Regenerate individual sections while keeping the rest of your plan intact.

PDF Upload

Upload assessment reports and SENScribe extracts the text for you to build on.

Ready to get started?

Create your free account and start drafting Student Support Plans in minutes.

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