Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Questions (182)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

182. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 15 April 2014 in view of the fact that model A stated the special needs assistants would also receive applied behaviour analysis training and in view of his reply that the discontinuation of the model concept in favour of the mainstream, special class and special school provision did not materially alter the provision being made for children with autism, if he will confirm that special needs assistants are currently not provided with the training in ABA as required under model A and that this change in approach from model A does materially alter the provision being made for children with autism. [19159/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Applied Behavioural Analysis, or ABA, is one of the approaches used in special classes for children with autism. The use of ABA as part of the range of interventions is particularly useful for addressing behavioural issues. My Department supports the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use. As previously advised my Department provides for a comprehensive system of continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers in the area of special educational needs including teachers of children with autism. The brief of the Special Education Support service (SESS) is to enhance the quality of learning and teaching of students with special educational needs through the provision of CPD and support for teachers in mainstream schools, primary and post-primary special schools, and special classes. The SESS also provides whole school training at the request of schools and this can include training for Special Needs Assistants.