Extra SNAs for Mayo schools

THE Department of Education and Skills has announced that children with special needs in Mayo will benefit from an extra 20 SNAs in our local schools.

The allocation is part of a national provision of 975 additional Special Needs Assistants which will be available for allocation to schools over the period September to December 2017, a 7.5% increase, in order to meet the level of assessed demand.

Mayo will receive an extra 20 posts in September.

Commented Minister Michael Ring: “This increase reflects the growing participation of children with special educational needs in our local schools and will support their full participation and progression within the educational system. The extra posts will ensure that every child that needs access to SNA support in Mayo can receive this support.

“The aim of this government is to continue to use our economic success to ensure that children with special educational needs can be supported to fully participate in schools and fulfil their potential.

“Some 975 additional Special Needs Assistants will be available to allocate to schools by the end of this year. It brings the total number of SNAs to nearly 14,000 – the highest ever number of SNAs.

“In parallel, the NCSE are conducting comprehensive work to examine whether the current SNA scheme represents the best possible means of supporting the additional needs of children with special needs.”