I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department provides for a continuum of special educational provision to be made available for children with special educational needs, so that regardless of the level of need of the child, educational provision can be made for them. My Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education. Some children may be fully integrated into mainstream schools without additional teaching or care supports. Others are able to attend mainstream schools but need additional teaching and/or care assistance. In respect of children who cannot be accommodated in mainstream education, they may be enrolled in special classes or special schools where more intensive and supportive interventions are provided. Provision is therefore made for children across the continuum of need. Where children are unable to attend school for a period of time due to medical reasons, or where no school placement is available for a child, home tuition may be provided for them in order to provide for compensatory education on an interim basis.
The National Council for Special Education can also assist parents to identify school placements which can then be resourced to support children with special educational needs. Given the range of provision which is available, I am satisfied that all children who wish to avail of state provided education can be accommodated within the current educational system.
In the event of a child being refused enrolment to a school, or having been suspended or expelled from a school, parents may appeal this decision to my Department under Section 29 of the Education Act.
