Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2017
200. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if progress has been made to increase the number of second level places for students with special needs in south County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48904/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the recommendation from his Department for students with special needs finishing primary school who cannot secure a suitable place in second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48905/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
My Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools, which have enrolled students with special educational needs, in order to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) which is a separate independent statutory body, plans and co-ordinates the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs in conjunction with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports as required, which includes the establishment of special classes in mainstream primary and post primary schools. The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year, including the need for school placements in Co. Kildare, and where special provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need.
The NCSE has advised that the SENO and Senior SENO for the Kildare area have met with parents of the students who are due to leave the primary school referred to by the Deputy, in June 2018, to discuss their concerns and provide information relating to their transition to post primary education. The NCSE have also advised that they have assured parents that they are aware of their child’s departure from primary school and are planning accordingly.
The enrolment of a child in a school is a matter, in the first instance, for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department and the NCSE has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment to schools.
Accordingly, the NCSE has advised the parents involved, to seek to enrol their child, by applying in writing, to the school/s of their choice as early as possible.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances are a matter for the schools themselves. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to publish its enrolment policy.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a board of management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a student, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Educational Training Board or to the Secretary General of my Department.
The NCSE will continue to work with schools, parents, NEPS, health professionals and other staff who are involved in the provision of services in that area for children with special educational needs, to ensure that each child has a post primary placement appropriate to their needs for the 2018/19 school year.
My Department continues to work with the NCSE to ensure that there is appropriate planning in place to ensure that all children who require special class placements and special school places can access such placements in schools within their communities.
