Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2012
225 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the annual allocation of funds to the National Behaviour Support Service; the nature of resources required by this service; if any qualitative analysis has been undertaken by the National Behaviour Support Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23899/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe allocation of funds to the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) is €2,041,927 for 2012 . This funding covers the full cost of the service including the employment of 1 National Co-ordinator, 4 Assistant National Co-ordinators, 7 Regional Development Officers, 1 Literary Development Officer, 1 Speech and Language Therapist, 1.75 Occupational Therapists and 1 Research Officer.
No overall qualitative evaluation of the NBSS has taken place. However qualitative research has been undertaken in the areas of the Behaviour Support Classrooms and Academic Literacy, Learning and Study Skills which show that preventative strategies and early intervention approaches adopted by teachers in their classroom and as part of wider school systems, structures and practices avoid the creation of a "wait to fail" model for student interventions. There is ongoing research in Whole School, Targeted Intervention and Intensive, Individualised Behaviour as part of NBSS's three levels of support.
