Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Questions (345)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

345. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 4 February 2014, in which he stated that his Department's inspectorate previously reviewed the education being provided by one of the private pre-school providers in question which involved engagement with the primary teachers they employed; if he will specify the engagement, if any, that occurred with the teachers as to the way they feel regarding their capacity, ability, skills and training to work with children with special needs and children with challenging behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13457/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As outlined in my previous reply to the Deputy, my Department's inspectorate reviewed the education being provided by one of the private pre-school providers in a number of locations which involved engagement with the primary teachers they employed. In terms of the engagement with the teachers, parts of the report on the review were based on the Inspector's observations of the staff in the classroom situation, in particular, the methodologies employed in implementing the pupils' programmes and the way they engaged with pupils. This allowed the reviewer to conclude that staff members including teachers demonstrated a clear understanding of their roles. The report also referenced how on-site training had been availed of by some of the staff and others had completed courses on ABA, PECS, TEACCH and Verbal/Challenging Behaviour.