Special needs assistants may be approved to support a pupil with a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or other pupils. The criteria used for the assessment of the need for special needs assistant support is outlined in my Department's circular 7/02. It may be accessed on my Department's website under the heading children with special needs. My Department continues to review existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. A review ensures that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
Since 1998 the number of special needs assistants in primary schools has grown from about 300 to in excess of 5,500 full-time and part-time posts. Special needs assistant posts will be retained in schools where there is a continuing care need in accordance with circular 7/02. Account is being taken of existing levels of special needs assistant support allocation in schools. In cases where a reduction in the level of special needs assistant support is proposed, there will be provision for schools to appeal, having regard to the care needs of the pupils concerned. Details of the appeals mechanism will be set out in a communication to schools.
