Sir, – Due to cutbacks, the allocation of special needs assistants (SNAs) in our school has been reduced by 50 per cent. As an SNA my time is now shared between two pupils in different classes, pupils whose care needs warrant full cover. In addition, a number of new entrants have been identified as having specific care needs. However, under new procedures they are not assigned support prior to starting school. Applications have been submitted without a response to date.
Under these circumstances I feel unable to do my job properly. There is a lack of continuity of care which will hinder the children achieving their full potential.
I would have been an advocate of the inclusion of children with special needs in a mainstream setting. However, due to the lack of adequate support I wonder whether their needs would be better served in special schools.
Would these children be allocated sufficient support if their parents challenged the Department of Education and the SENOs (Special Education Needs Organisers)? The department’s mission is to “provide high-quality education which will enable individuals to achieve their full potential and participate fully as members of society and contribute to Ireland’s social, cultural and economic development”.
In my opinion it no longer has a clear vision of inclusion for every child. The shortfall between the department’s aspirations and practice are becoming all too apparent in these recessionary times. – Yours, etc,