Written answers

Tuesday, 7 October 2008

Department of Education and Science

Youthreach Programme

9:00 pm

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 457: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the Youthreach special needs initiative pilot scheme will be extended across the country; if the existing Youthreach programme in Listowel is part of the pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33360/08]

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In 2007, my Department introduced the Special Education Needs Initiative (SENI) to address special educational needs and provide the necessary supports for learners in Youthreach centres. The SENI involves a general allocation model similar to that introduced in the primary sector in September 2005. Its purpose is:

To allow for a measured systematic development of professional practice in special education needs support in centres; and

To introduce the practices of profiling and assessment into each centre, development of individual learning plans for each student, establishment of a mentoring support system and engagement in inter-agency work as required for each student.

It was introduced to 25 groups of 25 learners across 20 Youthreach centres. The Youthreach centre in Listowel is not one of these centres.

The initiative has taken a whole centre approach and the needs of all learners are identified using a profiling model. It is team based and caters mainly for students with high incidence needs. It provides for the allocation of increased staffing hours to deal with the special needs and disabilities of all the students.

Additional training was provided to staff in the centres to enable the introduction, on a centre team basis, of a range of professional practices to support students with special educational needs/disabilities. This training followed on from the national introductory training programme introduced into all centres in 2006. In addition, the 20 centres have access to a password protected internet site containing guidelines, tailored training programmes and other materials.

During 2007, an evaluation was carried out on the SENI to determine its suitability and effectiveness for the learners. The findings of this evaluation were generally positive and found the SENI to be meeting the needs of learners.

Any consideration of the extension of the SENI will have to take account of the present and prospective economic and budgetary context and related financial constraints.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.