SNAs may get better job security under NCSE scheme

At present, SNAs are allocated as a school-based resource meaning their job security can be affected if a student moves on from a school, demographics change, or care needs are reduced. Picture: iStock

Work is under way on a scheme to improve job security for special needs assistants (SNAs) that will allow them to move to another school when faced with falling enrolments or changing demographics.

An SNA redeployment scheme, to be operated by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), will, for the first time, allow SNAs to be redeployed to another school, if they are no longer required in the initial school.

Currently, SNAs are allocated as a school-based resource.

Their job security can be influenced if a student moves on from a school, demographics change, or care needs are reduced.

Some have spent their whole career not knowing whether or not they will have a job the following September.

Helen McEntee, the minister for education minister, and Michael Moynihan, minister of state for special education, have confirmed that work is under way on a redeployment scheme.

There are more than 23,000 SNAs in schools across the country, Ms McEntee said.

“They are at the heart of our schools, both mainstream and special education schools,” she said.

It is crucial that experienced SNAs can be redeployed to a school where a vacant post arises, allowing them to stay in the sector and ensuring they can continue to share their skills and experience with children and young people with significant care needs.

This scheme will increase job security for SNAs, and encourage prospective SNAs to enter the workforce, she added.

“Crucially, the scheme will benefit children and school communities by ensuring that the SNA workforce is agile, and in a position to respond to emerging needs.”

The scheme has been undertaken in conjunction with ongoing work on the first SNA workforce development plan, which is scheduled for publication later this year.

SNAs are integral to how children with additional needs are supported in our schools, said Mr Moynihan.

“It is a priority for me and this Government to ensure appropriate supports are in place to facilitate attendance and participation by all children in school.

“The skills and experience which SNAs accrue through their work supporting children with special educational needs are a significant asset in the pathway to achieving inclusion in the education sector.”

The allocation circular for SNAs in mainstream schools is due to be published shortly.

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This circular will advise all schools on their SNA allocation for the 2025/2026 school year, and it will also reference the redeployment scheme.

NCSE chief executive John Kearney said the scheme will also build capacity in the SNA workforce, adding: “The scheme ensures valuable skills are not lost as the level of need shifts between schools.”

Work on the first SNA workforce development is expected to be published in September.