Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
109. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has issued written policy documents or guidelines for schools regarding integrating children with special needs, in particular autism spectrum disorders, into mainstream schooling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8919/14]
View answerThis question is about integrating children with special needs, particularly autism, into the mainstream from special classes. Has the Minister issued any guidelines either at primary or secondary level on this issue? What does integration actually mean? Is there a policy on or a definition of integration?
The Department's policy is that children with special educational needs, including those with autism, should be educated in an inclusive environment in mainstream schools, unless the extent of their needs is such that they require specialist support which cannot be provided in mainstream settings. Schools are supported in integrating children with special needs in schools by the national psychological services and the National Council for Special Education, NCSE.
The Department has issued a range of policy and guidance documents for schools on integrating children with special needs, including children with autism. This guidance includes Special Educational Needs - A Continuum of Support, which was issued to primary schools in 2007 and to post-primary schools in 2010. In addition, special education circular 02/05, Organisation of Teaching Resources for Pupils who Need Additional Support in Mainstream Primary Schools, was issued in 2005, and Inclusion of Students with Special Educational Needs: Post Primary Guidelines was issued in 2007. These documents are available on the Department's website www.education.ie. The NCSE is preparing policy advice on educational provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders.
I thank the Minister for his reply. How many special classes are there in the country? What percentage of primary and post-primary schools have special classes? Does the Minister know how much time children spend in special classes and how much time in mainstream classes? How are school principals to decide on this breakdown? What guidelines provide that advice? What is the input of the local special educational needs organisers on this issue?
How does the Minister define integration? Is there a definition of what constitutes integration? I understand there is no such definition. Does the Minister agree that one is needed? Has an evaluation been carried out with regard to the success or otherwise of special classes? If not, is it intended to carry out such an evaluation?
