Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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342. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of three-teacher schools that have a special needs unit providing facilities for pre school, junior and senior infant pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46132/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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This Government is committed to ensuring that all children with Special Educational Needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.

Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, delivered by fully qualified professional teachers, with the support of Special Needs Assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.

ASD Early intervention classes are available for children aged 3-5 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Early intervention classes are intended to provide early support for children with ASD before they start school.

In order to access an early intervention class, children over 4 years of age (who will not reach the age of 6 during the school year) must have an ASD diagnosis and a recommendation from a relevant professional for an early intervention placement.

Following early intervention children will attend a mainstream class unless there is professional guidance that they require a special class or a placement in a special school.

Students enrolling in ASD Special Classes must have a report from a relevant professional or team of professionals (for example, psychologist, speech and language therapist, psychiatrist) stating that:

- S/he has ASD, and that 

- S/he has significant learning needs that require the support of a special class setting and the reasons why this is the case.

The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), in consultation with the relevant education partners, is responsible for the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.

Schools may apply to the NCSE to open a special class where a need has been identified in their area i.e. a number of students have professional reports indicating they require the support of a special class.

SENOs may also approach a school directly where they are aware that a special class is or will be required in the near future. SENOs consult with other education parties (e.g. NEPS and Inspectorate) when planning to set up a special class.

Before approaching schools to request the establishment of a special class, SENOs take into account both present and future potential needs within the area and must be satisfied that the class is sustainable and appropriately located.

There are currently 130 ASD Early Intervention and 635 Primary ASD special classes in recognised primary schools. Of these, 3 ASD Early Intervention and 13 Primary ASD special classes are located in schools that currently have three mainstream teachers. Details in relation to these schools are provided in the attached table.

Parents/Guardians who may need advice or are experiencing difficulties in locating a school placement should contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) who can assist in identifying an appropriate educational placement for their child. Contact details are available on www.ncse.ie.

Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs, including those in the area to which the Deputy has referred are available on www.ncse.iein county order, and with new classes identified.