Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015
801. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which play therapy for children is currently facilitated in schools; and the way in which schools can access this, where appropriate. [11756/15]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department allocates significant resources to ensure that pupils with special educational needs can participate fully in education. My Department's policy is to promote a child-centred approach to education of children with special educational needs. Children should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs. The approach towards each child's education should be based on the individual educational needs of the child and should have regard to the child's individual education plan and supporting professional reports, and requires the interaction of all school personnel involved in the provision of education to the child.
Teachers in some primary schools use play across the curriculum in junior and senior infant classrooms.
Resources for teachers have been made available by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) in this regard, and give suggestions for planning and organising the classroom, showing examples of teaching and learning through play. These are available on the NCCA website, www.ncca.ie.
I wish to advise the Deputy, however, that the availability and provision of health-related therapy services, including play therapy supports, is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Specific queries about the provision of play therapy supports and the way in which this can be accessed should therefore be directed to HSE, as the body which has responsibility for the provision of such services.
