Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Questions (180)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

180. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 248 of 15 April 2014 in view of his confirmation that over 500 autism spectrum disorder units were opened without a single circular having been issued by his Department on the way to operate the ASD units and that the schools instead received the direct support of the NCSE/SENO or the inspectorate and the relevant NEPS psychologist, and in view of his direct responsibility for the inspectorate and NEPS, if he will provide copies of the documentation issued by NEPS and the inspectorate to these schools and the documentation received from the NCSE by his Department on the way to operate these units; and in the absence of forwarding this documentation with his reply, whether it can be assumed that no documentation exists and that all of the direct support for these schools was always only done verbally by NEPS, the inspectorate and the NCSE. [19157/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The NCSE local network of Special Educational Needs Organisers provide support to schools in relation to the establishment of special classes. SENOs may support schools by meeting with Principals to provide information on the resources and supports available for schools which may include, for example, access to specialist staff training. SENOS liaise with NEPs personnel at local level, where appropriate, to inform Principals. The NEPS service to all schools, including schools where there are ASD classes, is progressed through the Continuum of Support Guidelines which encompasses a graduated problem solving model of assessment and intervention. NEPS service is planned and delivered following planning meetings in schools where needs are prioritised. In addition to case work, NEPS supports schools in developing more systemic and preventative approaches to meeting the needs of pupils with SEN in line with priorities highlighted in the planning meetings. My Department's inspectorate has a role in evaluating, advising and supporting schools and the Deputy may be interested in their evaluation of educational provision for children with autism spectrum disorders which is available on my Department's website www.education.ie. The website also has details of general guidelines and circulars with regard to the Inclusion of Students with Special Educational Needs in our schools. It is not possible to say whether an individual school received documentation as part of the support and guidance provided by either NEPS or the Inspectorate when their ASD unit was opened. Also it cannot be assumed that no documentation exists.