Fury as school staffing cuts to affect most vulnerable children [Independent.ie]
- Published: 18 June 2011
Parents and teachers are furious about staffing cuts that will leave children with behavioural problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), without support in the classroom.
A cap of 10,575 is being put on the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) in schools, which means 227 of the 10,802 existing posts will disappear this year, while 475 will be held in reserve and allocated as needs arise.
It is a cost-cutting move brought on by the EU/IMF bailout and follows a value-for-money review that found that some SNAs were engaged in duties beyond what was originally envisaged.
The Department of Education has now announced new criteria for the allocation of an SNA, whose role is to help children with care needs, including toileting, mobility, feeding and challenging behaviour.
The new rules will give priority to children such as those in special schools, and those who are incontinent.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
