Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
142. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) has had its SNA allocation reduced by 0.5 of a post in view of his statement on 2 April 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11809/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is referring to my announcement on 2 April regarding the deferral of the roll out of the new frontloaded model of SNA allocation for mainstream SNA allocations.
In light of the public health crisis, a temporary interim arrangement for SNA allocations has been implemented for the 2020/21 school year. 2019/20 mainstream class SNA allocations were frozen, as at 24th April, and will automatically rollover into the 2020/21 school year. Provision has been made for schools to apply, through an exceptional review process, for additional support where it is considered necessary.
The reduction in SNA allocation to which the Deputy refers applies to a special class in the school. SNA allocations for special classes and special schools are not impacted by the frontloaded model of allocation nor by the temporary interim arrangement which has been implemented for mainstream allocations for the 2020/21 school year. Allocations for special classes and special schools continue to be allocated, by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in the normal way. There is a prescribed special class to SNA ratio.
Circumstances may arise where the level of support provided in a special setting is considered insufficient to meet the care needs of the cohort of students enrolled. In such circumstances, the school may apply to the NCSE for access to additional care supports, clearly outlining the reason why the additional support is necessary.
As this question relates to a particular school, I have referred the question to the NCSE for their direct reply. I do not have a role in making determinations in individual cases.
