Clare Daly
Question:89. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) will be able to access a school place to meet their special needs. [44029/13]
View answerThursday, 17 October 2013
Questions (89, 95)
Finian McGrath
Question:95. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support a matter regarding a child with autism spectrum disorder (details supplied). [44080/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 95 together.
The child referred to by the Deputies is currently enrolled in a special school and from the details supplied is due to transition at the end of the current school year.The Deputies will be aware that one of the functions of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is to provide support to schools, and parents/guardians of children with special educational needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
The role of the SENO in planning for the transition of children from one stage of schooling to another can include the provision of information to parents and or liaising between schools and parents. The NEPS psychologists can also be involved in supporting the transition of pupils with complex special needs. Information including general principles for planning for transitioning are also available on the NCSE website.