'Scandalous' lack of psychological supports in schools, ASTI conference hears

Newly qualified teachers are being placed in classrooms with students with very complex needs who require experienced teachers, the ASTI conference heard.

A “scandalous” lack of psychological supports is damaging children’s educational outcomes and preventing schools from being truly inclusive, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) delegate conference was told.

The ASTI demanded an increase in the services provided by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) to all secondary schools to ensure sufficient special educational needs (SEN) provision so that schools can provide inclusive education for all students. The motion was passed unanimously at the conference.