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Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019

Tuesday, 22 January 2019

Ceisteanna (182)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

182. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the decision not to open a junior unit at a school (details supplied) that would allow students in the early intervention unit transition further into their primary education will be reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2772/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

ASD Early intervention classes are available for children aged 3-5 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Early intervention classes are intended to provide early support for children with ASD before they start school.

Following early intervention most children will attend a mainstream class, but will some require the environment of a special class.

Special classes enable students with more complex special educational needs who are unable to access the curriculum in a mainstream class, even with support, for most or all of their school day.

In order to access a special class a student must have a professional report stating:

- S/he has ASD

- S/he has complex or severe learning needs that require the support of a special class setting and the reasons why this is the case 

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), in consultation with the HSE and relevant education partners, is responsible for the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.

Since 2011, the NCSE has increased the number of special classes from 548 in 2011 to 1,459 across the country now, of which 1,196 are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) special classes.

There are 246 special classes attached to mainstream schools in Cork City and County. Of these, 28 are ASD early intervention classes, 120 are primary ASD classes and 53 are post primary ASD classes. The number of ASD special classes in Cork has increased from 50 in 2011/2012 to 201 in 2018/2019. Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs are available by county on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie

The local SENO, in looking to open special classes, must take into account the present and future potential need for such classes, taking particular account of the educational needs of the children concerned. The local SENO will also take account of location and sustainability in looking to establish special classes in certain areas. 

In addition, the local SENO will consider:

- the school’s accommodation and accessibility

- the number of special classes, if any, already in the school.

The decision to sanction a special class in a specific school is a matter for the NCSE local SENO. My Department has no role in making such determinations.

The NCSE has informed my Department that the local SENO is satisfied that there are currently sufficient special class placements available to meet identified need for the forthcoming school year in the area referred to by the Deputy.

Should the NCSE identify the requirement for additional ASD special class placements in the area the local SENO will consider all schools in the area in relation to establishing an ASD special class.

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