118 classes to be created for special needs pupils

Up to 118 new special needs classes are to be established in schools around the country this month, according to the National Council for Special Education.

The NCSE says up to 700 children with special needs, such as autism, a learning disability, or a specific speech and language disorder, will be taught in classes in 113 mainstream primary and post-primary schools.

These classes are aimed at children with “significant needs” who cannot be educated in a mainstream class.

These classes have lower pupil-teacher ratios than mainstream classes, ranging from one teacher for six pupils to one for 11 pupils.

This year, Co Clare will have three new special needs classes, Cork 21, Dublin 20, Kilkenny three, and Kerry and Limerick just two classes.

Chair of the Special Needs Parents Association, Lorraine Dempsey, warmly welcomed the increased number of classes at post- primary level.

“I believe this is an acknowledgment of the increased numbers at post primary level and the fact that their needs were not being addressed,” she said.

In general, Ms Dempsey said, the country’s special needs units are aimed at children that with extra intervention have to the potential to join a mainstream class later in their education.

“However, there is a belief amongst parents of children with special needs that some of the schools cherrypick the children and will take the higher functioning children with autism that don’t have behavioural issues,” she said. “The children with additional behavioural issues are often rejected and are left with nowhere to go.”

NCSE chief executive, Teresa Griffin said: “Every year, more schools are responding positively to the needs of children in their communities by opening special classes. This means that fewer children with special educational needs have to travel long distances to schools. We are delighted to have the continued support of schools in creating these new classes.”

A booklet has been issued by the NCSE to help parents decide where to enrol their child with special needs. It advises parents on the importance of advance planning for children with special educational needs to ensure the necessary supports are in place when the child enters school.