My Department has no record of having received an application for special needs assistant support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. I understand that the pupil in question is due to commence school in September 2004. My officials have been in contact with the school authorities who have confirmed that they are in the process of making an application for special educational resources for the pupil in question.
Special needs assistants may be approved to support a pupil who has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where his or her behaviour is such that he or she is a danger to himself or herself or other pupils. Any application received will be considered in the context of the criteria set out in the relevant departmental circulars and the existing level of SER provision in the school.