Róisín Shortall
Ceist:198. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the number of special needs schools in each of the years since 2019, by patronage, in tabular form. [23476/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 23 May 2024
Ceisteanna (198, 201)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:201. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the teacher/student ratio for special needs schools in each of the years since 2019, by school, in tabular form. [23479/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 201 together.
Enabling 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 vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
Seven new special schools have been established in recent years. In addition, four new special schools will be established for the 2024/25 school year in counties Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick, bringing the total number of NCSE supported special schools nationwide to 124.
|
Year |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
No. of Special Schools |
114 |
114 |
116 |
118 |
120 |
124 |
The attached document provides the details of the patronage of these special schools,
Many special schools have diversified from their original designation to enrol students with more complex needs in their areas. Therefore special school staffing allocations are reviewed and updated each year by the NCSE based on student profiles and the disability category of each student. As a result the teacher allocation to each school is dependant on the needs of its students.
My department publish Indicator statistics annually in relation to the number of teachers and students enrolled in special schools and special classes. This Indicators report is available on gov.ie.
My department recognises that special schools face unique challenges and is committed to ensuring these schools are adequately resourced and supported. This coming school year will see the extension of deputy principal posts for all special schools and an additional 100 post-primary teaching posts which will greatly benefit these schools.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.