Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

747. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the level of mandatory training in initial teacher training on managing children with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the classroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12513/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Providing inclusive education to children with special educational needs is a fundamental principle of the education system. This principle is observed through Department policies, Teaching Council requirements for initial teacher education (ITE), curriculum provision and the range of supports provided to schools by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and Oide.

Inclusive education is a mandatory element of ITE programmes. Within further updated standards which the Teaching Council adopted in 2020, known as Céim Standards for Initial Teacher Education, inclusive education was further strengthened as one of seven core elements which must underpin all aspects of programmes of ITE. The Council’s view of a truly inclusive approach to professional practice recognises that teachers encounter a diverse range of needs in the course of their teaching. This could include children with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder as well as any of a range of additional learning needs and learning needs associated with diverse linguistic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

The Induction programme ‘Droichead’ supports the induction and professional learning of primary and post-primary newly-qualified teachers (NQTs) into the teaching profession. Droichead offers a range of induction workshops for NQTs that provide complementary special education needs support addressing behaviour, inclusion, and differentiated support for all learners. Qualified teachers also undertake professional learning in a range of pedagogical, curricular and educational areas. Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) provided for teachers supports the inclusion of students with Special Education Needs (SEN) in mainstream classrooms.

The Department of Education is committed to ensuring that all ITE programmes equip student teachers to teach in a range of settings and in response to all learners’ needs, in line with the principles set out in Céim. It is also committed to the training and support of teachers and school leaders to provide quality, inclusive teaching and learning opportunities.