I expect to receive the report of the task force on autism before the end of this month. My Department is currently engaged in developing proposals for a nation-wide pre-school education service for children with autism. I have already secured the necessary resources to fund this important development. The intention is that children attending the pre-school service would receive the same level of support as is currently provided in special classes for children with autism in primary schools. This will involve a pupil-teacher ratio of 6:1 and the provision of two special needs assistants per class.
Arrangements for the extension of the school year through the month of July for children with autism are at an advanced stage. A special rate of pay will be made available to teachers and special needs assistants participating in the delivery of July programmes. In addition, extra pay will be offered to principals of participating schools in respect of the preparatory work involved in developing July programmes.
My Department has also advised schools management that a special rate of capitation funding, amounting to one and a half times the normal monthly capitation rate for children with autism, will be paid to schools in respect of pupils participating in the July programmes. Funding will also be available for transport arrangements for participating children. All special classes catering for children with autism should now have received an allocation of two special needs assistant posts per class. If the Deputy is aware of any situation in which this arrangement has not yet been put in place, he might advise me so that any necessary additional support can be provided.