Written answers

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

Department of Education and Skills

School Staffing

6:00 pm

Photo of Alan FarrellAlan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the withdrawal of a resource and reading teacher from a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11486/11]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Firstly, I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes the allocation of resource teaching hours to schools as well as the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists.

The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such supports.

In respect of special classes, schools are required to observe Department policy in enrolling children to these classes. This includes having a professional assessment confirming that the child's attainment levels meets the Department's criteria and a recommendation for special class placement. Schools are eligible for resources for special classes when the pupils enrolled meet the Department's criteria.

Schools are required to liaise with their local SENO in the context of any proposed placements in such classes. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO.

Where the number of pupils qualifying for special class placement declines, the number of special classes may also be reduced accordingly. The NCSE has advised that on this basis, the number of special classes at the school referred to by the Deputy reduced this year from three to two.

In respect of resource teaching support for the coming school year, the NCSE has issued a Circular to schools advising them that the final date for schools to submit any outstanding, completed, applications for resource teaching supports is 13th May 2011. On receipt of all outstanding applications the DES and NCSE will be in a position to consider resource allocation for the coming school year, in the context of the Departments Employment Control Framework obligations. Schools will be notified of their allocations as soon as possible.

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