IPPN

Principals Urge That Lessons Be Learned

The Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN) expressed its serious concern at the aspirational level of some key elements in the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2003. In its submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Education and Science yesterday, IPPN Director, Seán Cottrell, called for lessons to be learned from the Education Welfare Act where essential personnel and resources failed to materialise in time for schools to implement the new legislation.

In welcoming the broad thrust of the Bill for Persons with Disabilities, Seán Cottrell stated that the role of Special Needs Organiser (SNO) is critical to the effective implementation of this historic legislation. The Bill in its current draft form places an unrealistic burden of responsibility on the role of principal whilst failing to define satisfactorily and in adequate detail the role of the SNO. Seán Cottrell claims that principals have displayed remarkable commitment to the inclusion and integration of children with disability and special education needs into mainstream primary schools. However, unless the Act outlines an effective, meaningful and clear role for the SNO it is most probable that expectations will be raised by this piece of legislation only to have the hopes and dreams of parents and children dashed by system failure.

75% of all principals of primary schools are also fulltime class teachers. An independent report by HayGroup Management Consultants earlier this year highlighted the already overburdened nature of the role of the primary principal. IPPN believes that the statutory rights of children with disability will be best served through the creation of a network of Special Needs Organisers who will provide a 'one-stop shop' for parents of children with disability. The role of SNO should include identifying and registering children with disability, commissioning the required assessments, facilitating enrolment, designating resources, co-ordinating individual education plans and conducting ongoing reviews. Such a service would radically reduce the need for the use of the Courts as a means of accessing services and would lead to a more equitable system for all concerned.

IPPN urges the Oireachtas to ensure that principal teachers are given meaningful consultation in the evolution of this Bill to ensure that the Act will lead to sound educational practice serving the needs of our most cherished children.

ENDS

For Further information: Tel: 1890 21 22 23 Seán Cottrell (National Director of IPPN)