Deprived area schools have more special needs pupils

THE numbers of children with special needs in schools in disadvantaged areas is up to double that in other schools, research has found.

A recent study by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) in Dundalk and Leitrim estimates that 18% of pupils in urban disadvantaged schools have some form of learning difficulties. But in other areas, the level of such needs is only 9%.

NEPS carries out assessments of educational needs for children who require extra assistance in school to help with various learning difficulties and disabilities.

Their research also found that a further 23% of children in disadvantaged areas would be eligible for learning support teaching, compared to just 8.7% in other schools.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) said members consider special needs staffing proposals from the Department of Education as unfair. It plans to allocate one support teacher for every 150 primary pupils, regardless of schools’ disadvantage status or pupil gender.

Des Deegan, principal of a primary school in Ballymun, said the fact that seven teachers are likely to be lost in local schools is ironic. The seven flat towers in the area are named after the signatories of the Proclamation of Independence.

“As the towers are being demolished, it appears that the party which claims to be the republican party is undermining the ideals which inspired the founders of our State,” he said.

There is also anger that the staffing plans do not account for the higher level of learning difficulties among boys. A report to the Department of Education in 1993 showed that boys make up between 67% and 89% of pupils with various learning difficulties, ranging from speech and language disorders to significant behavioural problems.

Ray King, principal of an all-boys school in Celbridge, Co Kildare, said the lack of extra support for male pupils was unjust.

“The case for boys to receive a favourable weighting is undeniable and the department must factor this into its plans, otherwise they are unworkable,” he said.

The department said last night it will be arranging a further meeting with the INTO shortly to discuss the contentious issues.