Jen Cummins
Ceist:150. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports available for children with Down's syndrome to transition from primary school to secondary school. [38163/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 20 May 2026
Ceisteanna (150)
Freagraí scríofa
I want to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter.
Under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 – 2030 First Programme Plan of Action 2025-2026 there is a commitment that we will work within Government and with others to improve retention rates and progression for disabled children and young people as they deal with transitions within education. We will support their participation and progress as they move from home through early learning and school to further education and enter the world of work or other adult paths.
An inter-departmental steering group co-chaired by this Department, DCDE and DFHERIS has been established to oversee this work. A priority action for the group is the development of a National Policy on Transitions. An event has been arranged for the 26th May in Dublin to capture the views and insights of stakeholders in the development of this new policy.
In addition, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has developed guidelines to support parents of children with special educational needs during big changes in their child’s educational journey. These guidelines are designed to assist parents in guiding their children when they are:
– Starting school for the first time.
– Moving to a new school setting like a special school.
– Preparing for life after school.
Furthermore, the NCSE operates a Transitions pilot programme on behalf of the Department. It has been extended for the 2025/26 school year and involves 41 special schools. The overarching objective of the programme is to support students with complex educational needs to transition to the post-school option which suits them best, including further or higher education options, workplace settings or adult disability services.
There are plans currently being developed by my officials to establish a Transitions Support Service to all special schools from September 2026. This new measure will support special schools to transition students into, through and leaving school and will allow schools the flexibility to support students at critical times during the year. I hope to announce details of this new support very soon.