Written answers

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Department of Education and Skills

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

564. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of places in autism spectrum disorder units which are part of mainstream schools at primary level and at secondary level in Cork city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46136/15]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, my Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an appropriate education.

Children with ASD may be enrolled in a mainstream school and can attend all mainstream classes. In such cases these children will receive additional teaching support through the learning support and/or the resource teacher and, where appropriate, will receive access to Special Needs Assistance and assistive technology if required.

In respect of children with ASD who cannot be accommodated in mainstream education, they may be enrolled in special classes or special schools where more intensive and supportive interventions are provided.

Progress in developing this network has been significant and in addition to the special school placements there are over 1,000 special classes throughout the country at primary and post primary level, of which 762 are for children with Autism.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have advised that there are 90 special ASD classes in mainstream primary schools in Cork city and county. 24 of these are Early Intervention classes for children with ASD who are not yet school going age. There are also 34 ASD classes at Post Primary level in mainstream schools in Cork city and county. Each special class for autism has a 6:1 pupil teacher ratio. A full list of special classes is available on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has recently submitted their Policy Advice on Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In developing this policy advice, the NCSE has consulted widely with parents, professionals and other stakeholders and interested parties while also conducting research. The policy advice is currently under consideration in my Department.

My officials will consider and report to me on any recommendations in the report which relate to the issues raised by the Deputy.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.