Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
483. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education if she will consider reviewing the resourcing of classes for moderate general learning disability to bring them on par with the resourcing of ASD classes given the difference in pupil to teacher ratio (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11799/21]
View answerThe resourcing of special classes for students with moderate general learning disability is determined under the terms of the 1993 SERC Report (Special Education Review Committee), to reflect the profile of care needs expected in the class. Department Circular 09/1999 also provides some further detail on the pupil teacher ratios applicable to special classes.
Special classes for students with moderate general learning disability provide support for students with a pupil teacher ratio of 8 to 1. Care needs support is provided by 1 SNA to 2 classes. Additional SNA support may also be sanctioned by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) for individual children who have significant care needs which require support above that baseline level of support already sanctioned to the school.
The Deputy may be aware that the NCSE is currently developing Policy Advice on Special Classes and Special Schools, which is due to be completed shortly.
There will be no change to the staffing ratios pending consideration of this Policy Advice.
