The Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme which set out to ensure that the Scheme is achieving the best outcomes possible for children with special educational needs was published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) on 30 May 2018.
The Review contains 13 recommendations, one of which is the provision of nursing support for students with complex medical needs.
In response to the Review, I have undertaken to develop proposals for the implementation of the NCSE's recommendations and to return to Government, following engagement with the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Health, with a proposed implementation plan to include a governance and accountability framework, and detailed costings of proposals.
I expect to bring proposals for implementation of the Review's recommendations to Government shortly.