Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Questions (555)

Holly Cairns

Question:

555. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on providing ASD special class-specific inspectors tasked solely with the inspection of said classes. [19154/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Given the very significant State investment in special education and in the increased provision of Autism (ASD) special classes, it is important to ensure that practice in those classes is quality assured.  ASD classes are inspected at both primary and post-primary levels as part of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) evaluation model. 

Findings from SEN evaluations are used in the compilation of composite reports; including a recently-published report on the quality of provision for children in ASD classes attached to mainstream primary and post-primary schools.  SEN evaluations are carried out by a team of inspectors with specific expertise and experience in SEN and all team members have been fully trained on the operation of the SEN evaluation model.