Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
229. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered using specialised classrooms for all those with complex needs wishing to attend mainstream schools, as opposed to autistic spectrum disorder, ASD, units for those with an autism diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36260/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that this Government is committed to ensuring that all children with Special Educational Needs, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.
Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, delivered by fully qualified professional teachers, with the support of Special Needs Assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
In respect of children with Special Educational Needs who are unable to learn effectively in a mainstream class for most or all of the school day even with appropriate supports, they may be enrolled in special classes within their local mainstream schools where more intensive and supportive interventions are provided. Students enrolled in special classes should be included in mainstream classes to the greatest extent possible, in line with their abilities.
The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), in consultation with the relevant education partners, is responsible for the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE continues to engage with schools in opening special classes where there is an identified need for special class provision.
It should be noted that in establishing special classes, or special class units, the NCSE is not constrained to only establish special classes or units for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Many special classes have also been established, and continue to be established, to support pupils who a range of other significant or complex special educational needs, such as visual or hearing impairment, physical disabilities, or severe general learning difficulties.
The NCSE published a list of special classes for the 2016/17 school year. In total there are 1,153 special classes available, which is an increase of over 100% in the number of special classes which were available in 2011, which was 548. This list, which is available at http://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/NCSE-Special-Class-List-for-September-2016.17.pdf provides details of the disability categorisation of each class.
The NCSE recently launched guidelines for Boards of Management and Principals of Primary and Post Primary schools which provide information on setting up and organising special classes, including information on grants which may be provided to schools to establish special classes. The guidelines are available to download from www.ncse.ie.
