Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
371. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education when a person (details supplied) will have their special needs assistant and educational escort application approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27220/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews. The Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations.
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.
It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
The NCSE have confirmed that an application for School Transport was received on 3rd May 2022. It was noted in the application that further documentation is to be submitted. The transport application will be processed on receipt of the additional information.
In relation to SNA support the NCSE have confirmed that the school has an allocation of SNA support to provide support for child with primary care needs. Applications for review of SNA allocation will become available following notification of SNA allocation for the 22/23 school year.
All schools have the contact details of their local SENO, and the SENO is available to offer assistance and advice to the school. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
