I am committed to providing for all children and young persons with special needs in the education system. The precise nature and level of support provided is based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child.
Reports on psychological assessments are required by my Department in support of applications for additional resources in primary and post-primary schools on behalf of children with emotional-behavioural disorders, general and specific learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders and specific speech and language disorders. Psychological reports are also required in support of applications for reasonable accommodations in certificate examinations on grounds of specific learning disability.
The level of support within the education system for children and young persons with special educational has grown substantially in recent years. At primary level, there are currently more than 2,600 resource teachers, 4,319 full-time and 1,353 part-time special needs assistants and 1,531 learning support teachers. At post-primary level, there 1,050 resource teachers, 450 special needs assistants and 533.5 learning support posts.
My Department will continue to respond to special educational needs and, in the process, will review and develop its models of resource allocation and educational response.