Robert Troy
Question:83. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to assist primary schools that are experiencing difficulties in recruiting suitable SNA support. [9938/19]
View answerWednesday, 27 February 2019
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Written answers
The recruitment and appointment of Special Needs Assistants is a matter for the individual school authority. Department's Circulars 34/ 2018 and 21/2011 and Appendix H of the Governance Manual for Primary Schools 2015-2019 sets out the current minimum educational requirements for appointment as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA).
People appointed to SNA posts are required to have:
1. A FETAC level 3 major qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications, OR
2. A minimum of three grade Ds in the Junior Certificate, OR
3. Equivalent
The above are the minimum qualifications required for appointment as a SNA. The actual requirements for a post will vary depending on the specific needs of the children and the school to which the SNA is to be appointed. When recruiting an SNA school authorities must list in the advertisement any specific competencies and/ or requirements to meet the special educational needs of the pupil(s).
All standard SNA vacancies and cover SNA vacancies of 24 weeks or more must be advertised on one of the following websites as soon as practicable.
SNA vacancies may also be advertised locally as required / deemed necessary. This will enable SNAs who are being made redundant to know what SNA vacancies are available.
List of Websites:
www.educationposts.ie
www.staffroom.ie
www.educationcareers.ie
www.educatetogether.ie
www.jobsireland.ie
Any Education and Training Board websites
These Circulars can be accessed on the Department’s website at www.education.ie.