Mother of autistic child challenges circular over special school eligibility requirements
Circular states children seeking a special school placement must provide a letter from NCSE confirming autism diagnosis
National Council for Special Education
Stressful, torturous and a scramble: report highlights issues around access to special school places
Mother recounts one of ‘worst times in my life’ in her bid to secure placment for autistic son
‘It makes no sense’: Parents devastated by proposed SNA cuts in schools
Letters highlight family concerns in lead up to Government U-turn on controversial review
461 school restraint incidents involving children with special needs since September
A number of the documented incidents resulted in injury
Teacher suffered five broken teeth trying to keep child safe in classroom that was refused extra SNA
National Council for Special Education apologises for ‘any and all upset and uncertainty’ caused by review of SNA allocations
Minster would have been ‘broadly aware’ letters on SNA numbers were being sent, committee told
Department of Education says communication problems contributed to controversy over staff redeployment plans
Special-needs assistants protest outside Leinster House demanding ‘job security’
Government got review of SNA allocation at schools ‘wrong’, Simon Harris says
Schools and families warn of ‘breaking point’ over possible cuts to SNA allocations
Co Wexford school principal said special needs assistants provide a vital backbone of care
SNA reallocation ahead of schedule despite pause, Micheál Martin says
The Taoiseach defended Michael Moynihan, saying the Minister of State was ‘extremely hard-working’ and committed to his brief
The Irish Times view on the SNA controversy: pitfalls and problems
If demand continues to rise it must be managed in a more structured way
Schools approved for additional SNA care will receive it, junior minister says
Any staff losses will be from September 1st, not ‘now or Easter’, Michael Moynihan says
Deaf man denied job interview wins €40,000 in ruling against National Council for Special Education
WRC sets aside €13,000 cap on compensation
Increased diagnoses of autism and ADHD driving rise in SNAs but budget falls short of demand
SNA review comes against the backdrop of spending overruns, with Department of Education needing a €567m bailout last year
Why routine assessments for children with special needs are being scrapped
For parents scrambling to find places in special schools for 2027, a new system is on the way
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Stardust
Inquests into the nightclub fire that led to the deaths of 48 people
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
Family NoticesOpens in new window
Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices