As the Deputy is aware, the school was advised on 16 August 2004 that the pupil in question did not meet the criteria for special needs assistant, or SNA, support, as there was insufficient evidence of care needs.
The Deputy may also be aware that the National Council for Special Education, or NCSE, which became operational on 1 January 2005, now processes applications for special educational needs, or SEN, supports. The NCSE will consider any new application for SNA support that the school may wish to submit when accompanied by relevant additional information, which may not have been to hand at the time of the decision.
My officials have been in contact with the local special educational needs organiser, or SENO, who has confirmed that no additional information has been received in this case. If additional information is made available, the SENO will further review the case and notify the school of the outcome.