Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
604. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education if the three secondary schools (details supplied) in Dublin 15 that have agreed to open ASD classes for September 2022 will be provided with the relevant teaching staff, SNAs and other supports in time for the start of the academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33892/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I can confirm for the Deputy that schools with special classes in a start-up situation are targeted for specific support. Care is taken in the planning of special education provision and the requisite specialist training and support.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) provide a range of supports including seminars for Principals, training courses for new and existing teachers, whole-staff CPD and access to the NCSE's Advisory Support Service.
The schools referenced by the Deputy should contact their local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) in this regard.
While the NCSE provide the relevant sanction to facilitate the recruitment of the teachers and SNAs for each special class, the school's managerial authority, as the employer, is responsible for the individual recruitment arrangements.
Guidelines on the establishment of Special Classes are available on the NCSE website at the following link Special Class Guidelines – National Council for Special Education (ncse.ie).
