Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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238. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when she expects the National Council for Special Education to complete and submit its policy advice on education provision in special classes and special schools, first commissioned in September 2018. [44390/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware of my belief that children with special educational needs should receive their education in placements which are appropriate to their needs alongside their peers wherever possible unless such an approach would be inconsistent with the best interests of the individual child or other children in the school.

This inclusive approach is consistent with the provisions of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004.

Only where it has been assessed that the child is unable to be supported in mainstream education, are special class placements or special school placements recommended and provided for.

Most children with special educational needs receive their education in mainstream classes, many with additional teaching and care supports.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. It has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents. The NCSE seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special education placements.

The NCSE was requested to develop Policy Advice on Education Provision in Special Classes and Special Schools to examine whether placement in specialist settings brings about improved educational outcomes and experiences, relative to their ability, for students with special educational needs.

This Policy Advice is expected to be completed before the end of this year.