Patrick Costello
Question:262. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education for an update in relation to the Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17341/24]
View answerTuesday, 23 April 2024
Questions (262)
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 (SNAWDU) within Special Education Division in my Department has commenced work on the first Special Needs Assistants Workforce Development Plan (the plan). The plan will be developed in consultation with stakeholders including SNAs, school management bodies, trade unions, schools, parents and children. 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
Research completed to date includes focus groups with SNAs on Learning & Development convened in May 2023 and the associated report is published on the government website www.gov.ie. Further focus groups with school leaders were convened earlier this year and the first national survey of SNAs was also completed. Associated reports will be published shortly. The feedback and data gathered from these initiatives will inform decision making on the SNA Workforce Development Plan
A steering group and working groups have been established comprising relevant stakeholders, and work is progressing towards the scheduled completion date of September 2025.
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.