Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
117. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps her Department is taking to improve supports for students with special educational needs at post-primary level. [70429/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy refers to Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes at Senior Cycle. These programmes were made available to schools for introduction from September 2024 and are intended for students whose needs and abilities may prevent them from accessing some or all aspects of other senior cycle programmes. They are personalised programmes, tailored to the individual learning needs of the student.
The introduction of Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes at Senior Cycle is an important development as part of the wider Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme and a significant milestone for special education in Ireland more generally.
I am aware that a number of schools - both mainstream and special schools - are now offering the Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 learning programmes to their students. Level 1 and Level 2 students have access to modules in the curriculum areas of Numeracy; Communication and Literacy; and Personal Care. Additionally, a broad range of elective modules including, for example, Drama, Visual Art, Looking after my Environment, and PE, have been developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and are currently available for schools to offer.
10 further draft specifications for elective modules including Music, Cookery, and IT Skills, are currently undergoing public consultation until 23 January 2026. The draft specifications can be accessed via the NCCA's website.
Schools will be guided by the Senior Cycle Learning Programmes: Level 1 and Level 2 Programme Statement, as well as my Department's recently published circular.
Each module under the Learning Programmes completed by the student will be certificated by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). I am pleased to say that next summer, it is planned that these students will receive their accreditation on results day alongside their peers following Leaving Certificate Established or Leaving Certificate Applied programmes.
Preparations are underway in my Department and in the SEC to facilitate the validation of learning and the certification process for the first cohort of students following these programmes to receive their accreditation in 2026.
Work is also underway in my Department in relation to a commitment to establish a dedicated Post of Responsibility in schools which offer Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes and meet certain eligibility criteria as set out in the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Implementation Support Measures document published last May.
The parameters surrounding this Post of Responsibility, including agreeing the criteria that might apply, as well as a comprehensive role description, form part of the discussions of the Post-Primary Implementation Group. There will also be consultation with the school management bodies in finalising these arrangements. My Department will then communicate with schools on this during the coming school year, ahead of the introduction of the post from September 2026.
The rollout of the Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes is a significant milestone in delivering a quality and inclusive educational experience for all students and reflects the commitment of the government in supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential.
