Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2023
82. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education her plans for the establishment of fully resourced and staffed nurture rooms within all schools with a DEIS band 1 status in Dublin 9 and 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23372/23]
View answer85. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost for the establishment of fully resourced and staffed nurture rooms within all schools with a DEIS band 1 status throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23376/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 85 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
The provision of appropriate accommodation for all pupils including pupils with special education needs is an absolute priority for me. 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 and enhances the learning experience.
In order to make accommodation provision to meet the needs of students with special education requirements, my Department has close engagement with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) which has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class or to construct additional accommodation. Similarly, where special schools wish to expand provision, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to accommodate additional placements.
The NCSE has additionally provided my Department with projections of future requirements for classes for students with special education requirements. These are informing my Department's advance planning for special class accommodation.
Such classrooms for pupils with special education needs are included as standard in the accommodation brief for new school buildings and major extension projects. The overall accommodation suite for students with special education needs also generally includes ancillary accommodation such as a Central Activities Space, a Multi Activity Room and Quiet Spaces as well as an outdoor Secure Play Area and Sensory Garden.
With regards to nurture rooms, a working group has been established comprising of NEPS psychologists and inspectors to review the suitability of nurture rooms for children and young people with special educational needs. The final report on the suitability of nurture rooms is expected to be finalised and submitted by the end of 2023.
