Inclusive education is at the core of the department’s policy which requires differentiated teaching approaches to cater for the varying levels of ability in the classroom, from providing additional supports to those experiencing difficulty to ensuring appropriate levels of challenge and enrichment for exceptionally able students.
Under the section in the Programme for Government to support students with additional educational needs there is a commitment to introduce a specific programme to support students with exceptional abilities.
To provide a coherent vision for provision in the short and longer term, my Department established an internal working group and is currently developing policy and best practice on a number of fronts. This includes new initiatives and pilots in a number of schools and education centres.
My Department has recently commenced engagement with the NCCA with a view to reviewing, updating and publishing the guidelines in line with current best practice at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Assessment of Need process is under the remit of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Questions in relation to the revised Assessment of Need process should be directed to colleagues in that Department.
