Written answer
Question Heading for question(s) 146
The Minister said preschool AIM supports do not require an autism diagnosis, while early intervention classes for children aged 3–5 are sanctioned where the NCSE identifies need. Classes may be redesignated for primary-age pupils when local demand and continuity of specialist provision warrant it.
146. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on early intervention for ASD classes in Waterford. [74871/26]
Comment on this
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) under the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, facilitates the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities/additional needs in the Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme (ECCE) programme. Its goal is to create a more inclusive environment in pre-schools, so all children availing of preschool, regardless of ability, can benefit from high-quality early learning and care. There has been a significant increase in resources and supports provided to children with additional needs accessing the AIM programme over recent years.
It is important to note that a diagnosis is not required in order to access AIM supports and that while some children require additional supports at preschool level, many will transition into mainstream classes thereafter.
Early intervention classes are available in mainstream and special school settings for children aged 3 -5 years old with a diagnosis of autism. There is also a small number dedicated to children who are deaf/hard of hearing. These classes are intended to provide early support to children before they start school and can aid their transition to junior infants.
Where the NCSE identifies need for an early intervention class, the class is sanctioned and my department provides support to ensure the school can accommodate the class. Generally, these classes are resourced at a 6:1 student/teacher ratio and are allocated two special needs assistants (SNAs).
Where there is verified demand for increased special class provision locally the NCSE in collaboration with the Department of Education and Youth may re-designate an early years class to a primary age class. The NCSE work closely with the department to ensure all viable options for increasing such provision are explored. Where students are leaving an early intervention class and have not secured suitable primary specialist provision, the NCSE may re-designate the class to ensure they can continue with their specialist educational placement at primary level. Whilst all stakeholders are agreed on the value of early intervention, the NCSE must also consider the legislative requirement for children over six to attend school.
Many of the early intervention classes sanctioned to date have been reclassified as the children enrolled reach primary level age. This provides for continuity of support, allowing the children to remain in the class at the school they attended for early intervention. Other early intervention classes continue to enrol a new cohort of children yearly. A decision by the NCSE and my department to re-designate an early years class to a primary age class is only taken after careful consideration.
A list of all mainstream and special schools is available on my department's website on gov.ie. In addition, a list of schools with special classes; broken by location and class designation is available on the NCSE website: https://ncse.ie/special-classes.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.