Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
321. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the severe shortage of school places for children with autism and complex needs in Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10144/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that this Government is committed to ensuring that all children with Special Educational Needs, including those with autism, 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 ASD 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. Special classes are for students who have a recommendation for a special class/school placement in their professional reports.
The Department of Education and Skills invests over €300m annually in providing additional resources specifically to support students with autism in schools enabling:
- 63% of students to attend mainstream schools
- 23% to attend special classes in mainstream primary and post-primary schools, and
- 14% to attend special schools.
There are 13 Special Schools in Cork city and county. The school referred to by the Deputy has capacity for 36 students. Special Schools funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.
Special Schools are staffed in accordance with arrangements set out in my Department's Circular 0042/2011, which provides for enhanced pupil-teacher ratios for pupils attending Special Schools ranging from 6-1 to 12-1, on the basis of disability categorisation of pupils attending the school.
Many special schools now enrol students from disability categories other than from those provided for by their school designations.
There are currently 1,153 special classes nationally, which is an increase of over 100% on the number available in 2011. Of these, 127 are ASD early intervention classes, 525 are primary ASD classes and 237 are post-primary ASD classes. The remainder are non-ASD special classes.
With regard to Cork City and County, there are 145 ASD special classes. Of these, 24 are ASD early intervention classes, 80 are primary ASD classes and 41 are post-primary ASD classes.
The NCSE, in consultation with the relevant education partners, must take into account the present and future potential need, location and sustainability in looking to establish special classes in certain areas. In this regard the NCSE has advised that they are continuing to engage with schools in opening special classes where there is an identified need for special class provision and in order to ensure there are sufficient placements available to meet demand.
Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs, including those in Cork City and County, are available on www.ncse.ie in county order, with new classes identified.
Parents/guardians may contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs and to seek assistance in identifying placement options, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
