The National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, provides a service to the named school in Dublin 1. The psychologist assigned to the school has already visited the school in September in order to discuss the service to be offered this year. She has also made an appointment to meet the learning support teacher this week in order to discuss how many students need psychological assessment and to agree on a priority list.
During the school year 2003-04, the psychologist made ten visits to the school. An eleventh visit was planned but had to be cancelled by the school. This is a high level of service and reflects the priority that NEPS gives to the school's needs. It is expected that the same number of visits will be offered during 2004-05.
Five psychological assessments were carried out during 2003-04. Three of these were in respect of applications for reasonable accommodations during certificate examinations. These assessments were carried out within three days of the applications being received in NEPS. The other two assessments related to complex cases. One necessitated three school visits and the other required four school visits. Additional resource hours were not recommended in either case. In addition to individual assessment work, the psychologist has provided consultations and advice in respect of a number of other students.
NEPS psychologists are expected to spend approximately 65% of their time in schools on individual case work and 35% on support and development work. Support and development work in this school has focused on screening and early identification of problems, the advantages and disadvantages of streaming and a whole school approach to special educational needs. The psychologist has also offered consultations to any subject teachers who would like them.
My Department has allocated 2.5 additional whole time equivalent posts to the school to enable it to provide for students with special educational needs. With regard to other students with special needs who may have applied to transfer to the school, my Department will consider any application that may be made on their behalf.
