Bernard Durkan
Ceist:339. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a primary school place will be offered to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10441/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 February 2017
Ceisteanna (339)
Freagraí scríofa
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 enrolment of a child to a school is a matter, in the first instance, for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. The Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment to schools.
The NCSE has published a Guide for Parents and Guardians of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs on Choosing a School. This guide is also available at www.ncse.ie.
Children with Special Educational Needs who are over the age of four may avail of Home tuition where a school placement is not available as confirmed by the NCSE, through the local SENO. Details of this scheme are available on my Department's website www.education.ie.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Bill, published on 6th July 2016, contains a provision which will empower the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to designate a school for a child who has no school place for reasons related to the child’s special educational needs and for the Child and Family Agency to designate a school for a child who has no school place (other than a child with special educational needs).
The parents of the child referred to by the Deputy are advised to 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.