Special needs assistants on way to schools
CHILDREN with special needs in Wexford will benefit from 37.31 extra SNAs in our local schools, Fine Gael TD, Minister Paul Kehoe has said.
The allocation is part of a national provision of 975 additional Special Needs Assistants which will be available for allocation to schools over the period September to December 2017, a 7.5 per cent increase, in order to meet the level of assessed demand.
Minister Paul Kehoe said: ‘This increase reflects the growing participation of children with special educational needs in our local schools and will support their full participation and progression within the educational system.
‘I have been in constant communication with my Fine Gael colleague, Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton, highlighting the need for extra supports for children with special needs here in Wexford.
‘The extra posts will ensure that every child that needs access to SNA support in Wexford can receive this support.
‘The aim of this Government is to continue to use our economic success to ensure that children with special educa- tional needs can be supported to fully participate in schools and fulfil their potential.
‘In the worst years of the crash, when the public purse declined massively, investment in special education was not only protected and prioritised, but it was significantly increased.
‘The increase in total investment in this area has been more than 30 per cent since 2011.
‘It is essential that we continue to provide for children with special educational needs in our local schools so they can reach their full potential.’