Jennifer Whitmore
Question:495. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the provision of SNAs for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56587/23]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (495)
Written answers
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
In 2023, my department spent over €2.6 billion on special education and further progress will be made this year as an additional €113m will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.
SNAs play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs into mainstream education, special classes and special schools ensuring that these students can access education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, a recent review of the school's SNA allocation was conducted by the NCSE on 9 Nov 2023. Based on the level of need within the school an increase of 4 SNAs was recommended.
The school was notified on 5 Dec 2023, of their SNA allocation. At present the total SNA allocation is 32. It should be noted that 5 of these SNA posts have been allocated on a temporary basis.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.