Holly Cairns
Ceist:66. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if SNA training will be reviewed in order that SNAs receive a level of training before they enter the classroom. [27454/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 26 June 2024
Ceisteanna (66)
Freagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for her question.
Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) make a valuable contribution to our school communities through the provision of adult support to enable students with significant care needs attend school.
The SNA Workforce Development Unit (SNAWDU) within the Special Education division in my department has commenced work on the first Special Needs Assistants Workforce Development Plan (the plan). The plan will be developed in consultation with stakeholders including SNAs, school management bodies, trade unions, schools, parents and children. The key areas that the plan will address are:
– Pillar 1 - Review and Development of the SNA role
– Pillar 2 - Establishment of a Quality Assurance Framework
– Pillar 3 - Establishment of a SNA Learning and Development Programme
– Pillar 4 - Supporting SNA Recruitment, Retention and Diversity
– Pillar 5 - Development of a Communications Strategy
A steering group and working groups have been established comprising relevant stakeholders, and work is progressing towards the scheduled completion date for the plan of September 2025. The working group under Pillar 3 – Establishment of a SNA Learning and Development Programme will review the minimum educational requirement for appointment to a Special Needs Assistants role with a view to ensuring that SNAs are appropriately qualified to carry out their role effectively. It will also consider opportunities for continuous learning and development in the SNA role.
Research has also been carried out by the SNAWDU to assess the levels of training completed by SNAs and to identify any learning needs. This includes focus groups with SNAs on Learning and Development convened in May 2023 and the first national survey of SNAs in February 2024. The associated reports for these initiatives are published on www.gov.ie .
Focus groups with school leaders to explore the role of the SNA were convened earlier this year and the associated report will issue shortly. The feedback and data gathered from these initiatives will inform decision making on the SNA Workforce Development Plan, including in the area of learning and development for SNAs.
I am pleased that my department has been able to establish this dedicated unit to deliver the SNA Workforce Development Plan which will ensure an enhanced SNA service is provided to children with significant care needs.