Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023

Tuesday, 28 March 2023

Questions (354, 355, 356, 392)

Holly Cairns

Question:

354. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education her views on ASD early intervention classes, including if there are plans to phase out these classes in favour of the Access and Inclusion Model. [14638/23]

Holly Cairns

Question:

355. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD early intervention classes that have been established for each of the years 2018 to 2022, inclusive; and the number of ASD early intervention classes that were closed/replaced for the same time period. [14639/23]

Holly Cairns

Question:

356. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the number of schools which have requested ASD early intervention classes each year for the period 2018 to 2022, inclusive; the number of these requests that were supported with the establishment of a class; the number that were not supported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14640/23]

Holly Cairns

Question:

392. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details on the number of ASD early intervention class which were transformed into autism/autistic spectrum disorders, and as a result the ASD early intervention class was discontinued annually during the years 2019 to 2022, inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14858/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 354, 355, 356 and 392 together.

I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.

For 2023, the spend by the Department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education.

This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide. Responsibility for provision in the early years sector lies with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides up to two years of pre-school within the eligible age range, without charge. The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), introduced in 2016, enables the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities/additional needs in the ECCE Programme. The goal of AIM is to create a more inclusive environment in pre-schools, so all children, regardless of ability, can benefit from quality early learning and care. A diagnosis of autism (or other disabilities/additional needs) is not required to access AIM supports. However, pre-school children with a diagnosis are generally supported in mainstream pre-schools with additional supports provided through AIM where required.

The AIM programme provides seven levels of universal and targeted supports to children with special educational and additional needs. DCEDIY commissioned an evaluation of AIM at the end of its third year. This evaluation was carried out by a consortium led by the University of Derby from December 2020 to December 2021 (delayed due to COVID-19). Its purpose was to investigate the implementation and impact of AIM from the perspective of multiple stakeholders and to consider options for its potential expansion. The final draft version of the evaluation report is currently in preparation. It is expected that the publication of the report will be followed by a period of policy development on the potential for expansion of AIM which will be led by the DCEDIY.

NCSE sanctions the establishment of special classes, including Early Intervention (EI) classes where there is an identified need. There are currently 151 Early intervention classes nationwide. On occasion, EI classes are re-designated as school-age special classes to reflect the changing age-profile of students, the changing needs in an area and in order to ensure a continuation of support for students in the EI class who require a special class placement.

Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types (including Early Intervention) and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie

Some of the information you have requested in relation to the number of schools who have applied to establish Early Intervention classes and the number of classes that may have been closed or replaced is not readily available to my Department. My Department will engage with the NCSE in relation to this information and any available follow up information will be provided directly to the Deputy.

My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.

I want reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.

Question No. 355 answered with Question No. 354.

Question No. 356 answered with Question No. 354.