Patricia Ryan
Question:106. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education the number of sensory hubs or rooms that have been made available in schools in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18529/22]
View answerWednesday, 6 April 2022
Questions (106)
Written answers
I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of appropriate accommodation for pupils with special education needs is an absolute priority for my Department. This is in two respects: firstly in ensuring that there is sufficient provision for pupils with special education needs and secondly in designing school accommodation that meets the needs of all users - students and staff - and enhances the learning experience.
The provision of sensory rooms form part of the accommodation brief for Special Educational Need Bases. This information is available on the Departments website www.gov.ie.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school (primary or post-primary), school authorities can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure an existing space within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. ASA application forms are available on my Department’s website.
Similarly, where special schools are requested to expand provision or wish to refurbish existing facilities, they may also apply to my Department for capital funding to carry out these works.
Subject to the type of provision, the number of SEN classrooms, site and accommodation constraints ancillary accommodation associated with Special Education Needs Bases can include a Central Activities Space, Quiet Spaces, a Multi-Activity Room, Daily Living Skills space, Secure Soft Play Area and Sensory Garden. Special Schools include similar ancillary accommodation as well as specific therapy provisions.
Schools may utilise these spaces as they deem most appropriate. Additionally, primary schools may use their annual Minor Works Grant to equip an available space as a sensory room. For these reasons, it is not possible to provide information on the number of sensory rooms in schools in County Kildare.
I can, however, confirm that there are currently 69 special classes opened at Primary level in Co. Kildare and 22 at Post Primary level. This information is available at ncse.ie/special-classes.