Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
300. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education if she will undertake a review of the number of SNA posts allocated to a school (details supplied) following the reduction in the number of SNA posts last September; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25031/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of special needs assistants (SNAs).
SNAs are allocated to schools as a school based resource and schools deploy SNAs in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.
It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE have confirmed that a Special Education Exception Review (SER) was carried out in October 2023.
Following the review, it was deemed at the time that the SNA allocation should be reduced to 4, 3 in mainstream classes and one in the special class as the care needs of children enrolled in the school had changed.
SNAs are employed to meet the ongoing significant and enduring care needs of children enrolled in the school. The NCSE state that the level of care needs within the school had reduced due to children with significant needs progressing to second level and the schools SNA allocation was adjusted to reflect this as per circular 0018/2023.
It is also important to consider that primary school enrolments are falling across the country and it is anticipated that primary enrolments will reduce by approximately 100,000 students over the next decade.
Following the outcome of the review, the NCSE can make the local SENO available to the school to discuss their current deployment of SNA supports in the school and to put these supports to the best advantage of the students. NCSE in-school support is also available to schools to offer further guidance and support.
Circular 0049/2024 has been published on the Departments website and is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/circular/2d295-special-needs-assistant-allocation-202425/
This Circular outlines arrangements for the allocation of SNA support in mainstream classes for the 2024/25 school year.
Schools can apply to the NCSE for a review of its SNA allocation if it is insufficient to meet the needs of its students.
Detailed information on the NCSE Exceptional Review process is published on the NCSE website. ncse.ie/application-for-sna-exceptional-review .
My department does not have a role in making individual school determinations and the school should liaise with the NCSE directly in the event that additional supports are required.
My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
