Written answers

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Department of Education and Skills

Special Educational Needs Staff

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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556. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of continuing professional development curriculums in place for special needs assistants. [19155/20]

Photo of Josepha MadiganJosepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme was published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in 2018. The Review made a number of recommendations regarding SNAs. While SNAs are very much valued in the provision of care support, the Review recommended that a more broadly based set of supports was required including therapeutic supports.   

The Review also referenced SNA qualifications and training. One of the recommendations of the Review was the development of a national training programme at FETAC level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications for existing and new SNAs.  A quality training programme is being developed and will be available to all SNAs from January next.  The aim of the programme is to ensure that all SNAs have the skills and competencies to carry out their care support role in schools. 

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