PRICE GUIDE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · 2026–2027
SEN Support Worker cost in Ireland
€18–€40 per hour. Typically €25.
A sen support worker in Ireland costs €18–€40 per hour, typically around €25. The price is set by experience/training, child's specific needs and hours and regularity.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does an SEN support worker cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €18 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €25 | what most people pay |
| High end | €40 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the babysitters, childminders, nannies, crèches and agencies near you.
What moves the price
- Worker's qualifications — an SEN support worker with special needs training or teaching experience usually charges more per hour.
- Complexity of the child's needs — higher support needs call for a more experienced SEN support worker, at a higher rate.
- Duration of support required — SEN support is booked by the hour, so longer or more frequent sessions add to the total.
- Professional's experience level — an SEN support worker with long experience in behaviour support often charges more per hour.
- Location — an SEN support worker travelling to your home or the school may add travel time to the hours.
What families pay for Childcare is down 35% over five years, largely because of subsidies (CSO Consumer Price Index, Childcare, to 2025 December); what providers charge has not fallen in the same way. CSO CPM18
WHAT YOU GET
What a SEN support worker visit includes
Takes: Sessions can vary in length, but they usually last between one to three hours..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common sen support worker jobs
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SEN Support Worker near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- Combining homework help and social skills work in the same session with the SEN support worker saves booking separate visits.
- A small group session for social skills, where it suits your child, can cost less per child than individual SEN support.
- Holding SEN support sessions in a single place, rather than the worker travelling between home and school, avoids extra travel time.
- Having the child's school materials and plans ready before each session means more of the time booked goes on SEN support.
- Asking the SEN support worker for strategies you can use at home may mean fewer hours of paid support over time.
Before you book
- Detailed information about the child's specific needs and challenges.
- Access to the child's school, if applicable, for coordination with teachers.
- A comfortable space at home for learning and activities.
- Any relevant educational materials or tools the child uses.
- You can ask the SEN support worker about their safeguarding training and how they keep the child safe during each session.
SEN Support Worker cost: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on the worker's qualifications, experience, and the complexity of the child's needs. Additional factors may include the duration of support required and the geographical location.
Sessions can vary in length, but they usually last between one to three hours. The duration often depends on the specific needs of the child and the agreed-upon support plan.
While general professionals can provide support, a qualified specialist may be necessary for more complex needs, such as autism or severe learning difficulties. It's essential to assess the specific requirements of your child.
Availability for emergency or same-day services varies by provider. It is advisable to inquire in advance, as many support workers may have pre-scheduled commitments.
Yes, many SEN support workers offer packages that include multiple sessions or related services, which may also provide cost savings. Discuss your specific needs with the provider to find the best arrangement.
SEN support workers generally do not provide medical or therapeutic services unless they have the relevant qualifications. Their primary focus is on educational support and development.
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