Student Support File Template for Irish Primary Schools
A comprehensive Excel workbook for creating and maintaining Student Support Files as required by the Guidelines for Primary Schools (2024) and the NEPS Continuum of Support framework. Features 8 structured worksheets covering all official documentation requirements, SMART target tracking with validation, and review cycle management.
What's Included
- Cover Page with student information and support level tracking
- Background Information section (Mo Scéal, family, medical, previous interventions)
- Strengths, Interests & Needs profile with all 10 NEPS need areas pre-populated
- Priority Learning Needs section (up to 3 priorities)
- Student Support Plan with SMART target table and dropdown validation
- Parent/Guardian Input with 3 consultation record templates
- Child's Voice section with 8 age-appropriate prompts
- Review Records table for 6 review cycles
- Summary Sheet for quick reference
- Professional Irish-themed design (green/gold/navy)
- Dropdown menus for support levels, need areas, staff roles, and review outcomes
- Auto-calculated review date reminders
How to Use This Template
- 1Download the template and open in Excel or Google Sheets
- 2Start with Sheet 1 (Cover) - enter the student's details and current support level
- 3Complete Sheet 2 (Background) with relevant information from Mo Scéal and other sources
- 4Use Sheet 3 (Strengths & Needs) to build a comprehensive profile across all 10 need areas
- 5Identify 1-3 Priority Learning Needs at the bottom of Sheet 3
- 6Create SMART targets in Sheet 4 (Support Plan) using the dropdown menus for consistency
- 7Record parent consultations in Sheet 5 and capture the child's voice in Sheet 6
- 8Update Sheet 7 (Reviews) after each 6-8 week review cycle
- 9Use Sheet 8 (Summary) as a quick reference for meetings and handovers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Student Support File?
A Student Support File (SSF) is the central record of a child's educational support journey through the Continuum of Support framework. It documents the identification of needs, interventions provided, and the child's response to support over time. It is required for all children at School Support (Some) or School Support Plus (Few) levels as per the Guidelines for Primary Schools (2024).
Is this template aligned with official guidelines?
Yes, this template is fully aligned with the Guidelines for Primary Schools: Supporting Pupils with Special Educational Needs (2024) published by the Department of Education, and the NEPS Continuum of Support framework. It includes all 10 categories of information specified in the official guidance.
What are the 10 need areas included in the template?
The template covers: Literacy, Numeracy, Language and Communication, Social and Emotional, Sensory, Physical/Motor, Attention and Concentration, Executive Function, Behaviour, and Self-Care/Independence. These align with the holistic assessment approach recommended by NEPS.
How do the SMART target dropdowns work?
The Support Plan sheet includes dropdown menus for Priority Need (linked to the 10 need areas), Staff Role (Class Teacher, SET, SNA, etc.), Frequency (Daily to Weekly), Setting (In-class, Withdrawal, etc.), and Target Status (Not Started to Fully Met). This ensures consistency and saves time when documenting.
How often should the Student Support File be reviewed?
The NEPS guidelines recommend review cycles of 6-8 weeks, with formal reviews at least twice per year aligned with school terms. The template includes a Review Records sheet to track up to 6 review cycles and prompts for review outcomes.
Can I use this for children at Classroom Support level?
While the full Student Support File is typically required at School Support and School Support Plus levels, a simplified version of this template can be used at Classroom Support level. Focus on the Cover, Strengths & Needs, and a basic Classroom Support Plan rather than the full Support Plan sheet.
Will this template work in Google Sheets?
Yes, the template is compatible with Google Sheets. Upload the Excel file to Google Drive and open with Google Sheets. All dropdown menus and formatting will transfer, though some conditional formatting may display slightly differently.
Is this template free to use?
Yes, this template is completely free to download and use in your school. It is provided by SENScribe to support Irish primary school teachers with SEN documentation. You can customise it with your school branding and create copies for each student.
Student Support File Template...
Excel • 52 KB • Free