Mr. John Kearney:

I do not have the exact figures sought by the Deputy and further work is required. The chief inspector's report on the placement of students in classes gives an indication that we need closer observation of special class placements, and that is further work for the NCSE to develop and take on board. What is very much required is an annual review of each and every special class placement in a school. That is required for any assessment of a student in a school and how the placement is working. That consultation must take place between a variety of stakeholders, including teachers, school management, parents and, in many cases, the student.

There is a collective responsibility in taking on special classes in a school. It is a formidable challenge for any school to take that on. It is a change in culture and leadership, with a dynamic approach required by all sections of staff to fully embrace each and every learner coming into a school community. They should be given the same sense of opportunity and progression as any other learner coming in. It is a journey that must be travelled by a school and it takes a significant effort to do that. The NCSE is eager and enthusiastic to assist schools on that significant journey they must travel. It is ultimately a journey that the vast majority of schools will have to travel in time. A number of schools are making that journey but more will have to do so in order to make a cultural change and provide strong leadership, openness and engagement with parents so as to deliver the quality of education that students with special educational needs deserve.