Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
494. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education when a full-time behaviour therapist will be sanctioned for a school (details supplied); and if she will facilitate a meeting with her Department, the board of management and staff of the school. [52339/21]
View answerSpecial schools generally cater for children with the most complex needs. Accordingly, these schools have enhanced staffing levels with greatly reduced pupil/teacher and SNA staffing allocations.
In general, speech and language and occupational therapy supports are provided by the HSE.
On an ongoing basis, special schools also have access to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) advisory support service which advises on children with the most complex needs, including behavioural needs.
Special schools in a start-up situation are targeted for specific support. Care is taken in the planning of these schools and the provision of specialist training and support. A bespoke package of CPD and professional learning for the staff of the school referred to by the Deputy was put in place for this School with specialist inputs from my Department, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and the relevant agencies including the NCSE.
A proposal for additional support received from the School is currently being considered.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department and NCSE will continue to prioritise this school for support.
