Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The new model of allocation is designed to more accurately reflect the actual needs in individual schools. It captures a more comprehensive range of needs in schools, including complex needs, measured learning difficulties and social needs, than the previous model. An additional 900 posts will be delivered to reflect this change. This year, more than half of special needs teaching resources will be allocated to meet the requirements of children with complex needs. The new model no longer requires an assessment to be submitted, which means that children who need support can get that support immediately. Indeed, the allocations to the schools are front-loaded so that they are in a position to meet the needs of children without having to get detailed diagnostic tests in respect of them. One of the benefits of this approach is that each school will be able to use its professional judgment and expertise to determine how best to support its students. Schools will be supported by the guidance of the integrated support service in the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. The new model will allow for some additional provision in exceptional circumstances prior to the next review. The NCSE will support schools in managing their allocations in the first instance. If a school's enrolment of new pupils involves a substantially greater level of need than was previously the case, it will be able to seek assistance from the NCSE.

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