Decision to cut special needs assistant’s hours reversed

A DECISION to cut the hours of a young boy’s full-time classroom assistant has been reversed.

The National Council for Special Education said that following a review, Shane Kelleher, nine, will have a full-time special needs assistant (SNA) when he returns to school in September.

“This decision to keep Shane’s full-time SNA will allow him to progress and reach his full potential,” his father, John, said last night.

Shane, who is in third class at Scoil Chill Ruadhain in Brooklodge, Glanmire, Co Cork, has Charge Syndrome.

The rare condition affects his heart, eyes, throat, stunts his growth and development, results in urinary abnormalities and can result in behavioural problems.

Following a Department of Education review, it was announced that Shane’s SNA hours were to be cut in half from September.

His parents mounted a campaign to have the decision reversed.

Mr Kelleher argued that the decision to cut Shane’s SNA hours would have had a devastating effect on his son’s education and health.

The school also appealed the decision to the Special Needs Education Council’s local organiser.

It was backed up with information from doctors, consultants and psychologists who argued that it was essential for Shane to have a full-time SNA.

Mr Kelleher collected up to 3,000 signatures in the area calling for a reversal of the decision.

The family also travelled to the Dáil last month and handed the petition into the Education Minister’s office.

Last night, Mr Kelleher said he was delighted the decision had been reversed.

“I would like to say thanks to everyone for their support,” he said.

“I would like to thank public representatives, the school and we are indebted to the 3,000 people who signed our petition.”

Government deputy chief whip Billy Kelleher said he was delighted the appeal was successful.

“Hopefully Shane can get on with his education and that this decision will have a positive affect on his education.”