SPECIAL NEEDS supports for hundreds of pupils could be in jeopardy after the Department of Education moved yesterday to review the allocation of over 10,000 special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools.
A circular issued by the department says it has asked the National Council for Special Education to review special needs assistant allocations in all schools “with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met”.
The latest move comes after last month’s controversial decision to cut the number of special needs classes for students with mild learning disabilities.
SNAs support pupils with disabilities who have a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant physical or sensory impairment, “or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or to other pupils”.
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation said last night the Minister must look at the special needs of children as an educational issue rather than a financial one. It said “there can be no question of withdrawing essential supports to children and leaving schools to cope as best they can”.
A ministerial spokesman insisted the criteria for the allocation of SNAs is not being changed. “If a pupil qualifies for support, SNAs will continue to be provided.”
The new review comes as the Government spending group – known as “An Bord Snip Nua” – began its review of education spending this week. Members of the board are examining a series of possible cuts with the department’s secretary general, Brigid McManus, and other senior officials.
Explaining the special needs review, a ministerial spokesman said the department had become aware that a number of SNA posts in schools did not meet the criteria for such posts. “For example, a pupil’s care needs may decrease as they get older or as a result of interventions that have enhanced a pupil’s independence. In other cases, posts may have been retained when pupils with significant care needs have left the school.”
The National Council for Special Education, he said, has been requested to carry out a review to ensure that departmental policy is being implemented through the proper application of the existing criteria in all schools.
The pay scale of an SNA ranges from €24,408 to €39,566. It is expected the review will be completed by the end of this school year.
The department’s circular reminds schools that SNA posts should be actively reduced and withdrawn once the pupil’s care needs have diminished.
