Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
477. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education the expected timeframe for the implementation of the new front-loaded special needs assistant, SNA, model detailing the delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17868/22]
View answer478. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education the status of the roll-out of the front-loaded allocation model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17869/22]
View answer479. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to ensure the equal distribution of special needs assistants across the school system, including new and developing schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17870/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 477 to 479, inclusive, together.
In light of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the introduction of the new Frontloaded Allocation Model for SNAs for students in mainstream classes in primary and post -primary schools was deferred for a further year to the beginning of the 2022/23 school year.
All mainstream schools, regardless of their classification are treated in an equitable and fair way in relation to SNA provision. The criteria for allocations are outlined in Department circulars issued each year
In the case of New and Developing schools, the following is the position
- Existing mainstream class (including New and Developing schools) SNA allocations as at 30 April 2021 were maintained and automatically rolled over into the 2021/22 school year.
- SNAs currently in these settings can continue in post for the 2021/22 school year.
- Priority consideration was given by the NCSE to applications for increased support for the 2021/22 school year. In particular, applications from Developing schools were prioritised.
- Where a school’s circumstances change during the course of a school year that materially increase the level of care need in a school, the school may apply to the NCSE for a review. Increased enrolments could such a circumstance.
Work is ongoing in terms of the SNA allocation for the school year 2022/2023 and consultation with the education partners will form a key component and details will be announced in the near future.
