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.