Pauline Tully
Question:84. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education her plans to extend the school inclusion model nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30500/24]
View answerThursday, 11 July 2024
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Written answers
I recently announced the establishment of the Educational Therapy Support Service which will see the permanent appointment of 39 occupational and speech and language therapists, as well as 5 behaviour practitioners to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). Therapists will work with teachers and other school personnel to build their capacity to provide as effectively as possible for the needs of students, one example being language programmes co-designed by teachers and speech and language therapists. Behaviour Practitioners will support schools to promote engagement and participation for all students.
The expansion of therapy services within the NCSE is expected to build on the achievements and impact of the in-school therapy supports services in the School Inclusion Model (SIM) pilot. SIM involved speech and language and occupational therapists working to systematically build the capacity of school communities to meet students’ needs.
The provision of clinical therapy supports to children is the responsibility of the HSE, through Primary Care or the Children’s Network Disability Team (CDNT). The Educational Therapy Support Service model will enable the NCSE to work in a complementary manner with health services and should, over time, facilitate the HSE to target its resources at those with the greatest clinical needs.
The overarching purpose of the Educational Therapy Support Service will be to improve learning outcomes for students, ensure teachers are better equipped to support all students and reduce the demand for additional resources in schools.
Educational Therapy Support Service therapists will work in partnership with school communities, NCSE colleagues and where appropriate NEPS and HSE professionals to promote the participation and inclusion of all students particularly those with special education needs. They’ll work all levels of a multi-tiered system of support, providing educational support for students with the greatest level of need. The NCSE will maintain oversight of clinical governance and professional development requirements of all therapists.
The next steps in this expansion process will include a robust recruitment process within the NCSE to attract persons with the relevant skills and qualifications.
The NCSE intends to be operationally ready to deliver therapy services in the Eastern and Western regions for the commencement of the school year in September, moving to full implementation of all posts by October 2024.