Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
636. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education her views on children with ASD being sent to mainstream schools that are not suited for their needs and demands; the process that parents must engage in to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22702/20]
View answerEnsuring that every child has a suitable school placement is a key objective of my Department. Significant resources are allocated each year to ensure that appropriate supports are available for children with special educational needs.
Since 2011, the number of special classes in mainstream schools has increased almost threefold, from 548 to 1,618 for the 2019/2020 school year; with 1,353 of these catering for children with autism.
Budget 2020 provided for an additional 265 special class teachers in 2020, which will allow for the opening of additional classes where required.
The majority of children with special educational needs attend mainstream class, where they may access additional educational supports if required.
But some students may find it difficult to manage full-time placement in mainstream and so placement in a Special Class or Special School setting may be deemed appropriate where placement in mainstream class is not in the best interests of the child.
Special Schools funded by my Department are established as special primary schools and cater for children and young persons with complex special educational needs from the age of 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.
Nationally, 167 new special classes opened in 2019/2020, which means there are 1,618 special classes in place, compared to 548 in 2011.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) which advises my Department on policy matters is currently preparing advice on the educational provision that should be in place for students educated in special schools and special classes. This policy advice will make recommendations on the provision required to enable students in special schools and classes achieve better outcomes. The NCSE have been asked to complete and submit its report to the Minister before the end of the year.
