Over 430 new SNA’s confirmed for Louth schools
SOME 432 extra Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) will be allocated to Louth schools in September, the Argus has learned.
This will bring the total number of SNAs to 830 locally, with 261 SNA’s being allocated to Primary Schools, 84 SNA’s to Post Primary Schools and 88 SNA’s being allocated to Special Schools.
This will make up the 432 SNA increase throughout the county for the incoming year.
Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick welcome the increase, saying : ‘ The aim is to ensure that children with special educational needs can be supported to fully participate in schools and fulfil their potential.’
‘Special Needs Assistants play a key role in ensuring this and I would like to firstly take this opportunity to pay credit to the fantastic work that they do in schools across Louth.’
He said the increase ‘reflects the growing participation of children with Special educational Needs in the education system and the capacity of our education system to better support their full participation and progression.’
It is also expected that a further allocation will be announced during the first term of the new school year.
Minister Bruton confirmed the additional resources for Louth, and nationally saying: ‘More children with Special Educational Needs are participating than ever before and we are investing more than ever before to support this.’
‘In 2018 my Department will invest in the region of €1.75 billion in special education, almost one fifth of the entire education budget and 39% increase on 2011.’
The new posts are expected to be filled when students return to school in September.