Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
204. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) has been denied opening a second ASD class despite demand and now six children have been denied a class place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27916/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling 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.
The NCSE has advised my department that this school recently expressed an interest in opening a second special class. The NCSE actively encourages expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest.
When considering to establish a special class the NCSE assess the needs in the local area. The NCSE identify schools in the neighbouring vicinity with available special class vacancies and assess their capability with consideration to demographical and statistical data. The NCSE advise my department that there are schools in the local area with existing vacancies.
The NCSE acknowledge that circumstances may change, and they are committed to ensuring that both the parents and the school receive the necessary advice and support.
383 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year, of these 8 are in county Mayo. this brings the overall number of special classes in the county to 73.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs and can be contacted directly using the details available on the NCSE’s website.
