Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 December 2013
74. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills if pupils attending a pre-school ASDl class for three to five year olds should be added on to the register in primary schools; if pupils attending pre-school ASD classes are to be included in the NEWB returns; and his plans to issue a circular regarding pre-school ASD classes clarifying such matters and also including length of day. [53603/13]
View answerEarly Intervention Classes for Autism are established in primary schools by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The classes are part of the schools and pupils enrolled in these classes are included on the school roll.
My Department's policy is to facilitate the enrolment of pupils with autism in Early Intervention classes in primary schools from the age of three years. While I do not propose to issue a circular prescribing the length of the school day for children under the age of 4 years, schools are expected to comply with rules already in place which provide for the length of the school day for infant classes in primary schools.
I wish to advise the Deputy that NEWB returns are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
