The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection have approved the report I compiled titled 'The Role of the Special Needs Assistant' at their meeting on Wednesday, 13th January.
I took over as rapporteur in late 2014 and immediately set out to engage with educational stakeholders around the country. I have received input from SNAs, trade unions, teachers, parents, academics, students, boards of management, the Department of Education and Skills, the National Council for Special Education, disability groups, children's groups and a number of interested individuals.
I provided a series of platforms for engagement including a call for written submissions, public meetings, private meetings, Committee hearings and through the publication of a ten question survey seeking responses from Special Needs Assistants. The survey received 2,510 SNA responses out of a total of 11,330 SNA posts nationwide in approximately two and half months of being open to participants.
The report contains thirteen recommendations for consideration. The main overarching goal is to ensure that children with additional needs, while attending school, receive the appropriate supports so that they may best achieve their personal and educational goals. The recommendations seek to address the inconsistencies that are present between SNA policy and the reality of how the role is administered in schools while keeping the needs of the student to the fore.
I am delighted that this report has been accepted by the Committee and we can begin to progress recommendations and key aspects contained in the report with Minister O'Sullivan and her department.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed and particularly thank SNAs across the country who showed a great interest and enthusiasm in the compilation of this report.
The report will be officially launched next week in the Houses of the Oireachtas - details to follow.
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