Written answers

Wednesday, 4 July 2018

Department of Education and Skills

Special Educational Needs

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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122. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had discussions with the Minister for Health about delays in assessments of need for children resulting in delayed supports being put in place at primary school level for some pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29360/18]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that in 2017, I introduced a new model for the allocation of Special Education Teachers to schools. The new model replaced an older model, under which most of these resources were allocated in respect of individual children who had been diagnosed with a disability.

In its 2014 policy advice, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) had recommended that it was no longer appropriate to require individual assessments or diagnoses in order that children could receive additional teaching support. The NCSE advised that the new model would ensure, in future, that children who need support can have that support provided immediately rather than having to wait for a diagnosis.

In May of this year, the NCSE published its report of its comprehensive review of the Special Needs Assistant scheme. In its advice the NCSE recommends a new model for the allocation of SNA and other supports. This new model would remove the need for an assessment of needs in order that a child could access SNA support. A cross departmental working group has been established to develop a plan for the full implementation of the NCSEs recommendations.

It remains the case that an assessment of need is required to support applications to my department for assistive technology and special school transport. It is also the case that assessment of needs continues to be an important means of identifying the most appropriate school placement options for children whose particular needs may require a specialised setting such as a special school or special class.

Changes to the Assessment of Needs process, which were recently announced, remain a matter for the Department of Health and will be the subject of consultation between that Department and officials from the my own Department.

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