Patrick Costello
Question:261. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education for an update in relation to the review of contracts for special needs assistants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17340/24]
View answerTuesday, 23 April 2024
Questions (261)
Written answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for his question.
Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) make a valuable contribution to our school communities through the provision of adult support to enable students with significant care needs attend school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the students concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
The SNA Workforce Development Unit within Special Education section in my Department has commenced work on the first Special Needs Assistants Workforce Development Plan. The plan will be developed over the next two years in consultation with stakeholders including school leaders and the SNAs themselves. The key areas that the plan will address are:
– Pillar 1 - Review and Development of the SNA role
– Pillar 2 - Establishment of a Quality Assurance Framework
– Pillar 3 - Establishment of a SNA Learning and Development Programme
– Pillar 4 - Supporting SNA Recruitment, Retention and Diversity
– Pillar 5 - Development of a Communications Strategy
Working groups have been established under each of the five pillars of the plan. The working group under Pillar 4 – Supporting SNA Recruitment, Retention and Diversity will review the Contract of Employment for Special Needs Assistants as provided in DE Circulars 12/05 & 15/05. This will fulfil a commitment under the Building Momentum public service agreement which was deferred to align with work on the Plan.
I am pleased that my department has been able to establish this dedicated unit to deliver the SNA Workforce Development Plan which will ensure an enhanced SNA service is provided to children with significant care needs.