Hundreds of SNAs to be cut next year

SCHOOLS will have hundreds fewer special needs assistants (SNAs) to meet the care needs of disabled pupils from September following a major review of the service.

One of the measures to achieve the cut will see an end to the allocation of SNAs to children with behavioural issues starting junior infants, except where the behaviour is extremely challenging or dangerous.

But teachers have warned that major disruption will be caused to other young pupils if children with behavioural problems that require care are not supported from the day they start school.