Vol. 504 No. 7
51 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a provision that the higher capitation afforded to children in special schools will also apply if these children are in an integrated setting. [12809/99]
The standard annual capitation grant payable to primary schools is £60 per pupil. This payment is made in respect of all children enrolled in ordinary classes in a school and would include any special needs children who are enrolled on a fully integrated basis.
Special enhanced capitation rates are paid in respect of children with special needs who attend special schools or special classes dedicated to children with particular special needs. These special rates can range from £263 to £436 per pupil depending on the particular level of need involved. Children attending special schools or special classes attached to ordinary schools would generally have a level of special need which renders them unable to attend ordinary national schools on a fully integrated basis.
The difference in the level of capitation funding attracted by pupils attending special schools or special classes and those attending ordinary classes on a fully integrated basis arises from the reduced number of pupils involved in each special classroom situation.
The number of children per classroom in special schools and special classes will be significantly lower than the number in an ordinary national school classroom. However, the general operating costs arising in both situations, in terms of light, heating etc., will not be reduced because of the lesser number of pupils in attendance.
As a consequence, the level of funding attracted by each child attending a special class needs to be correspondingly greater than the norm in order to meet the standard operating costs which will continue to be incurred.
For example, a special class for children with a mild general learning disability will cater for a maximum of 13 children. Such a classroom would give rise to the same ongoing operating costs as an ordinary classroom in a national school that would cater for a significantly higher number of pupils. It is necessary, therefore, that the special class children attract a correspondingly higher rate of capitation funding in order to meet the costs involved.
It is important to distinguish between arrangements relating to the funding of schools' ongoing operating costs and funding requirements which might arise where, for example, a child with a disability requires a special piece of equipment. Special separate funding arrangements are in place to deal with special equipment needs and any school can make application to my Department for funding towards the purchase of such equipment.
I can also assure the Deputy that my Department will consider applications from mainstream national schools for the provision of specialised equipment for pupils with special needs who have been fully integrated into the mainstream system.
