IPPN

Published: 15 November 2010

STAFF at a dozen schools for pupils with autism are being offered training to become primary teachers as part of a deal that will see the schools funded by the state.

The 12 are among 13 schools which previously offered just one form of education – applied behavioural analysis (ABA) – but were included in a pilot programme to receive Department of Education funding. As a result of discussions between the schools and the department, they are to be recognised as special schools and receive full funding but one of the conditions is that other teaching methods must also be used.

This means that ABA tutors are not recognised for the purposes of teaching and may be designated as special needs assistants (SNAs) or to other posts until such time as they achieve the primary teaching qualifications needed to teach in a special school.

"Existing staff will have the option of choosing to avail of redundancy if they do not wish to take up a new position in the new school setting. The department can confirm that it is committed to providing teaching training for the existing staff cohort who take up the new positions," a spokesman said.

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