John Lahart
Question:156. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26049/24]
View answerSchool Funding
Questions (156)
Written answers
A sensory room in a school can enhance and promote the health and well-being of the whole school with a focus on both the culture and the environment. It is a designated area within a school which can support a student’s sensory preferences and needs and can provide students with the individualised sensory input they need to self-regulate, so they can be better prepared for learning and interacting with others.
Funding of €7,000 is made available by my Department's Loose Furniture & Equipment (F&E) Section for the provision of the start-up of a sensory room within a school. In order to be eligible for the grant, the school must demonstrate it has an NCSE approved ASD class and that there is a suitable room to house the sensory room (i.e. drawings of school layout with the sensory room and ASD class clearly marked). The sensory room must be a separate room from that of the ASD class and must have its own separate entry/exit. Only one sensory room grant is funded by my Department per school.
A sensory room is a dedicated room with its own entry/exit (i.e. a door) and a school must demonstrate that this is an available room within the school building in order to access the sensory room grant. A sensory room is primarily intended for use by students within the school and is not confined to students within a specific classroom which is why my Department requires that it must be a separate room from that of the ASD class and must have its own separate entry/exit.
I understand that the school in question does not have an existing ASD class and therefore, does not qualify for the sensory room start-up grant in any event. My department, will of course, continue to engage with the school in respect of any follow up queries.
Road Safety
Questions (157)
John Lahart
Question:157. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that an engineer from her Department's primary school section visits a school (details supplied), with a view to assisting the school in designing a safe parking scheme given it is located on a rural country road; and if the provision of funding for same will be considered. [26050/24]
View answerWritten answers
Individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care, including traffic management measures. It is open to a school authority to apply for funding to improve traffic safety on school grounds under the summer works scheme (SWS).
As the Deputy may be aware, the purpose of the SWS is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The SWS operates on a multi-annual basis for categories of works such as roof works, window replacement, mechanical and electrical works, external works etc. and was last opened for applications in 2019.
As part of it’s planning for 2024 and beyond, Department officials are considering and planning for the next phases of the summer works programme and the opportunities this may create to support the sustainability agenda. In this regard, it is envisaged at this stage that, a Multi-Annual SWS with a focus on climate action and energy conservation will be the focus for the next summer works scheme to be opened for applications. The arrangements and timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course.
It is also open to a school authority to use its minor works grant to improve traffic safety on their school grounds.
The issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter that should be raised in the first instance with the relevant Local Authority. Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools and should ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children.
School Staff
Questions (158)
John Lahart
Question:158. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26051/24]
View answerWritten answers
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, including one aimed specifically at small schools, to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final. Information on the appeals process and application forms are published in Circular 0011/2024, available on my Department's website.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (159)
James Lawless
Question:159. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education for an update on the provision of a new school building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26110/24]
View answerWritten answers
Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested around €4.5 billion in schools throughout the country. Around 800 school building projects have been completed and 300 other projects are under construction.
This level of construction roll-out recognises the priority that Government puts on investment in education. School building projects under construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion with most of these projects due for completion in 2024 and 2025. This is a record level of investment and highlights the Department’s very strong track record in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
The project for the school referred to be the Deputy will deliver a new 8 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms for children with special educational needs.
The project currently has planning permission and will, along with a number of other projects, be brought to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of the Department’s project manager.
The process of appointing the Design Team from the Department’s Frameworks of Consultants was completed in September 2023 and the project is currently close to completion of Stage 2(b) of the architectural design process. Stage 2(b) involves detailed design and the preparation of tender documentation.
The next stage, subject to relevant Stage 2(b) approvals, will be Stage 3, tender stage. Projects are subject to relevant due diligence at each stage in the process, within the context of overall programme and budgetary parameters.
The school is currently located in interim accommodation on the Moyglare Campus Site, Maynooth. There is sufficient interim accommodation for the 2024/2025 school year. My Department will continue to address the school's interim accommodation requirements pending delivery of its permanent accommodation.
My Department will continue to keep the school and Patron Body updated in relation to progress.
School Funding
Questions (160)
John Lahart
Question:160. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education if additional funding can be provided to a school (details supplied) to cover the cost of landscaping and maintenance, given that every school receives the same amount of capitation per head, but some schools have significantly greater overheads compared to others, and this particular school has extensive grounds and trees that have to be maintained and cut on a regular basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26114/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for cases where a secretary is now paid from my Department’s payroll as per circular 36/2022.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €183 per pupil at Primary level and this year's grant is being paid, as usual, in 2 instalments - the first in January and the second in June, for the 2023/24 academic year. Enhanced rates of capitation are also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Traveller pupils.
Primary schools with less than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants based on having 60 pupils.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2024 I am pleased to have secured €21 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This will support a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools from September 2024. This will bring the basic rate of capitation grant to the pre-2011 level of €200 per student in primary schools. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates.
In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was issued in October 2023, to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. This funding is the first tranche of an overall additional €60 million funding announced as part of Budget 2024 measures designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. A further €40 million in funding was delivered in early 2024.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by my Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. If the services of the FSSU would be of assistance to the school referred to by the Deputy, please email sdfinfo@education.gov.ie and officials from my Department will contact the FSSU on behalf of the school. Alternatively, budgeting templates and more information can be found on www.fssu.ie.
School Equipment
Questions (161)
John Lahart
Question:161. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education when the grants for furniture and IT equipment, which form part of the new build which was completed and opened officially last year at a school (details supplied), will be provided to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26115/24]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers was approved a school building project under the Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for a two classroom Special Educational Needs (SEN) base. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority. The project was practically completed in September 2023 although there remain some outstanding issues which need to be finalised with the design team and contractor.
The full cost of this project has been met by my Department and the school has also received its full entitlement of furniture and equipment and ICT grant , including a multi-sensory grant and SEN start up grant for this project.
School Facilities
Questions (162)
John Lahart
Question:162. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education if, given that United Nations Article 9 mentions accessible pathways for all when it comes to education, she will agree that accessible public buildings are vital for young children; if she will she approve the request from a school (details supplied) which has a child with disabilities who requires wheelchair use, has been requested by her Department to provide an OT report (even though the school principal has written and informed her Department that there is a child with disabilities attending the school next September); if she will ensure that the request for new pathways/pavements and the replacement of the existing dangerous canopy be expedited as quickly as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26121/24]
View answerWritten answers
The application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) to which the deputy refers, has already been approved by officials in the EWS area and the school has been informed in this regard.
Schools Administration
Questions (163)
John Lahart
Question:163. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the number of primary schools in the diocese of Dublin that are running deficits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26126/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not have insight into financial information relating to any particular diocese. All schools are of equal importance and the financial information analysed includes all schools across the different sectors.
My Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for cases where a secretary is now paid from my Department’s payroll as per circular 36/2022.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €183 per pupil at Primary level and this year's grant is being paid, as usual, in 2 instalments - the first in January and the second in June, for the 2023/24 academic year. Enhanced rates of capitation are also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Traveller pupils.
Primary schools with less than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants based on having 60 pupils.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2024 I am pleased to have secured €21 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This will support a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools from September 2024. This will bring the basic rate of capitation grant to the pre-2011 level of €200 per student in primary schools. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates.
In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was issued in October 2023, to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. This funding is the first tranche of an overall additional €60 million funding announced as part of Budget 2024 measures designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. A further €40 million in funding was delivered in early 2024.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by my Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. If the services of the FSSU would be of assistance to any school in the diocese referred to by the Deputy, please email sdfinfo@education.gov.ie and officials from my Department will contact the FSSU on behalf of the school. Alternatively, budgeting templates and more information can be found on www.fssu.ie.
European Court of Justice
Questions (164)
Carol Nolan
Question:164. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education to provide a breakdown of the fines issued against her Department by the Court of Justice of the European Union for the period 2010 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26130/24]
View answerWritten answers
There have been no fines issued against my Department by the Court of Justice of the European Union from 2010 to present.
School Funding
Questions (165)
John Lahart
Question:165. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education to consider allocating further funding of €10,000 to a school in view of the additional costs associated with their new classroom (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26147/24]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers was approved a school building project under the Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for a two classroom Special Educational Needs (SEN) base. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority. The project is practically completed in September 2023 although there remain some outstanding issues which need to be finalised with the design team and contractor.
The full cost of this project has been met by my Department and the school has also received €5,000 for furniture and equipment, €13,400 for an ICT grant, €7,000 for a multi-sensory grant and €13,000 for SEN start up grant for this project.
My Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for cases where a secretary is now paid from my Department’s payroll as per circular 36/2022.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €183 per pupil at Primary level and this year's grant is being paid, as usual, in 2 instalments, - the first in January and the second in June, for the 2023/24 academic year. Enhanced rates of capitation are also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Traveller pupils.
Primary schools with less than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2024 my Department secured €21 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and in the longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This will support a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools from September 2024. This will bring the basic rate of capitation grant to the pre-2011 level of €200 per student in primary schools. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates.
In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was issued in October 2023, to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. This funding is the first tranche of an overall additional €60 million funding announced as part of Budget 2024 measures designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. A further €40 million in funding was delivered in early 2024.
A Minor Works Grant of €29 million was paid in April 2024 to primary schools, including special schools for the current school year 2024/2025. Currently the Minor Work Grant payable is €5,500 basic grant plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil.
Schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs.
The works that can be undertaken under the minor works scheme include maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds, improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, the purchase of floor coverings and window blinds, the purchase of IT related equipment, ventilation improvements, and enhancements to outdoor learning environments.
Since 2020 this school has received in relation to Minor Works Grants a total of €77,023.50 including a sum of €10,994.50 paid in April 2024.
There is no provision for additional payments outside of those outlined above.
The Financial Service Support Unit (FSSU) is an important source of advice and is available to primary schools to assist on financial matters. Should the school require the services of the FSSU they may contact them directly at 01 910 4020 or by email at primary@fssu.ie. Details of the supports provided by the FSSU are available at: www.fssu.ie/primary/.
School Staff
Questions (166)
Sorca Clarke
Question:166. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if there are any supports in place that would help cover excessive medical expenses, in the case where a teacher has sustained a lifelong injury from an assault in the workplace; the type of supports that are in place for the teacher during the three, and in some cases six months under the leave of absence following assault scheme; the type of supports that are in place for the teacher after the three to six months are up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26156/24]
View answerWritten answers
I refer to your recent correspondence to the Minister for Education, Ms. Norma Foley TD, in relation to supports for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants on foot of an assault in the course of their work.
In accordance with Section 14 of the Education Act 1998, it is the duty of the Patron to appoint, where practicable, a Board of Management. The Board of Management is the body of persons or the person appointed by the Patron to manage the school on his/her behalf, including issues surrounding health and safety.
While the Department of Education has statutory functions in the setting of terms and conditions for teachers and Special Needs Assistants, the Department of Education is not the employer.
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) determines the terms and conditions of Leave Schemes for Public Servants, which includes teachers and SNAs. In this regard, the limits imposed in the Assault Leave Circular for Teachers was agreed with Education Partners in conjunction with DPENDR.
The Leave of Absence following Assault Scheme is contained in the Department’s Circular Letter 0061/2017 for teachers and 0062/2017 for SNAs. It provides for special leave with pay (subject to specified limits) to a teacher or special needs assistant who is unable to perform their duties due to a physical injury following an assault that happened in the course of their duties and during approved school activities.
The leave available under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault is 3 months (92 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period. In exceptional cases, such as where a significant period of hospitalisation is required or in situations of a second or subsequent incident of assault, the leave may be extended for a further period not exceeding 3 months (91 days) at full pay, subject to an overall limit of 6 months (183 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period.
A Teacher/SNA who has exhausted the maximum period of paid leave under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault and who is still medically unfit to resume duty may avail of Sick Leave under the Sick Leave Scheme, subject to the normal rules of that scheme.
The Employee Assistance Service , which is currently provided by Spectrum.Life, is available as a supportive resource for teachers and SNAs. The freephone confidential helpline is 1800 411 057 and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Supportive resources may include short term counselling (up to six sessions). If the EAS recommends additional short-term counselling sessions with the teacher or SNA, the Department can facilitate this request.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (167)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:167. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will examine a case (details supplied) where a child still does not have a special education place for September, and has little communication from the NCSE due to a vacant SENO position in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26161/24]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that this is an anxious time for parents who are seeking a school place for their child for September and I would like to assure the Deputy that this government is determined to alleviate the pressures faced by parents when seeking a special educational placement.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised my department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) recently contacted the family in relation to a securing a suitable placement and has provided them with information on schools in the area in which they can apply to. The SENO remains in contact with the family and is providing support and advice as required. The NCSE advise my Department that there are available post-primary special class places in some areas across Dublin.
My department and the NCSE work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places, work which is close to finalisation for the 2024/25 school year.
Over 360 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year. Of these, 48 are in Dublin, 32 at primary level and 16 at post-primary level. This brings the overall number of classes in County Dublin to 582.
The NCSE expect to confirm some additional classes shortly to ensure that a sufficient level of provision is available. The NCSE is confident that through the provision of these new classes and vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of all children known to them for September 2024.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (168)
John Lahart
Question:168. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the letter of intent issued to a school (details supplied) for which there has been no movement since its issuance some months ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26170/24]
View answerWritten answers
The school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme as a campus project and will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms, for children with special educational needs on the ETB-owned site at Fortunestown Lane.
The Invitation to Tender issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects for 10 schools issued to the Department's Framework of Design and Build Contractors. The Letter of Intent (LOI) for this campus project issued to the preferred tenderer in April 2024 which allows the preferred tenderer to put in place the Bond, Insurances, and confirmations of all legal arrangements required under the Contract.
Following the issuing of the LOI, my Department’s Project Manager has been liaising with the preferred tenderer regarding the Bond, Insurances, and confirmations of all legal arrangements that are required under the Contract, including the scheduling of a post-tender clarification meeting.
Once all the necessary documentation and clarifications have been received, my Department will then be in a position to issue the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) which will allow the contractor to mobilise on site.
My Department will update the school and its patron body once the LOA has issued and will continue to liaise with school in relation to interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the school's permanent accommodation.
School Staff
Questions (169)
Patrick Costello
Question:169. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education the status of progress with issues around incremental credit (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26175/24]
View answerWritten answers
The criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the Department of Education’s Circulars 10/2001 for Primary teachers, and 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers. The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC).
These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of overseas teaching service, both within and without the EU. Where a school satisfies the criteria set out in the circulars to have service at that school recognised for incremental credit, an award of incremental credit can be made.
Criteria such as whether the school is subject to state funding, which can be of particular relevance when examining claims relating to private teaching schools, and the length of time the school has been in existence, must be satisfied in order for service at that school to be recognised for incremental credit.
Where schools do not satisfy the required criteria, then service at that school cannot be considered towards incremental credit. Teachers must be on the Department of Education’s teacher payroll or teaching in an Education and Training Board school before an application can be processed.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit for teachers are subject to review by way of an incremental credit committee, which is a sub-committee of the Teachers Conciliation Council, and which meets on an ongoing basis.
Through the Teachers Conciliation Council, the teacher unions have lodged a claim concerning the recognition of private post primary teaching service outside the EU towards the award of incremental credit.
The Department of Education examined this request as part of the 2024 budgetary process. While it was not possible to secure funding to progress this request through the 2024 budgetary process, other measures to assist with teacher supply were introduced in the budget including:
• An allocation of funding for an additional 1,000 posts of responsibility to be introduced across both primary and post-primary sectors for the 2024/25 school year. This has been an issue of key concern with the Teacher Unions
• Funding of €4 million towards a Professional Masters of Education (PME) incentive scheme.
The Department of Education will continue to examine ways in which the matter of incremental credit with respect to private post-primary teaching outside the EU may be progressed in the future.
School Staff
Questions (170)
Niall Collins
Question:170. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she can advise and provide assistance on a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26178/24]
View answerWritten answers
I refer to your recent correspondence to the Minister for Education, Ms. Norma Foley TD, in relation to supports for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants on foot of an assault in the course of their work.
In accordance with Section 14 of the Education Act 1998, it is the duty of the Patron to appoint, where practicable, a Board of Management. The Board of Management is the body of persons or the person appointed by the Patron to manage the school on his/her behalf, including issues surrounding health and safety.
While the Department of Education has statutory functions in the setting of terms and conditions for teachers and Special Needs Assistants, the Department of Education is not the employer.
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) determines the terms and conditions of Leave Schemes for Public Servants, which includes teachers and SNAs. In this regard, the limits imposed in the Assault Leave Circular for Teachers was agreed with Education Partners in conjunction with DPENDR.
The Leave of Absence following Assault Scheme is contained in the Department’s Circular Letter 0061/2017 for teachers and 0062/2017 for SNAs. It provides for special leave with pay (subject to specified limits) to a teacher or special needs assistant who is unable to perform their duties due to a physical injury following an assault that happened in the course of their duties and during approved school activities.
The leave available under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault is 3 months (92 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period. In exceptional cases, such as where a significant period of hospitalisation is required or in situations of a second or subsequent incident of assault, the leave may be extended for a further period not exceeding 3 months (91 days) at full pay, subject to an overall limit of 6 months (183 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period.
A Teacher/SNA who has exhausted the maximum period of paid leave under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault and who is still medically unfit to resume duty may avail of Sick Leave under the Sick Leave Scheme, subject to the normal rules of that scheme.
The Employee Assistance Service, which is currently provided by Spectrum.Life, is available as a supportive resource for teachers and SNAs. The freephone confidential helpline is 1800 411 057 and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Supportive resources may include short term counselling (up to six sessions). If the EAS recommends additional short-term counselling sessions with the teacher or SNA, the Department can facilitate this request.
The Department has established a working group to develop guidelines for schools on the prevention and management of challenging behaviour, where such behaviour poses imminent danger of serious physical harm to self or others within the school environment. It is expected the guidelines will be finalised and published before the new academic year; the guidelines will apply to all recognised schools.