Kerry schools face reduction in special needs assistants

At least 10 SNAs are to lose their school roles in the Killarney area following review

Schools described the move as 'disappointing' and likely to impact adversely on early intervention for pupils with additional needs.

Primary schools in Kerry have been told of plans to cut the numbers of special needs assistants.

Schools described the move as “disappointing” and likely to impact adversely on early intervention for pupils with additional needs.

The planned cuts, coming into effect in September 2026, follow a review process last autumn. Meanwhile, schools in the Killarney area have recently been notified of plans to cut their assistants and of an appeals process.

At least 10 SNAs are to lose their school roles in the Killarney area, with fears further numbers will be impacted in the coming months as the review continues.

Fossa National School in Killarney is to lose four assistants, while the two-teacher Glenflesk National School is set to to lose one assistant.

Glenflesk school principal Paul Favier said mainstreaming of special needs pupils would be affected as the school will not be able to cope with the reduction.

“We are very disappointed with the process. Children with more complex needs are now attending primary school thanks to supports. If the cuts come in, the school may not be able to cope.” Mr Favier said.

"It’s the children who will suffer."

Glenflesk National School is to appeal the cuts. Fossa National School is also appealing the proposed cut by the February 13 deadline.

There were four SNAs in the Fossa school's special unit for autism spectrum disorder. However, the number of assistants who work in the main classrooms are being cut from six to two.

In a statement issued to local representatives, SNA staff called it an "alarming" 40% reduction. 

“This decision is devastating and will have a severe impact on the entire school community.

“SNAs are already stretched as it is and the removal of four posts will have a significant and detrimental impact on both students and staff. Without adequate SNA support, children with or without additional needs will not be able to integrate meaningfully into the classroom or wider school environment.” 

Local councillor Niall Botty O’Callaghan said several schools were being affected in Kerry and elsewhere.

“I am very disappointed. This is leading to huge concern and there is already a backlog of children with special needs.

“I’d like to know what the reason for these cuts are,” he added.

The National Council for Special Education press office said the level of need may fluctuate with falling enrollments and changing demographics as children moved from primary to secondary level.

There are 861 SNAs in Kerry, up from 616 in recent years.

This article was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme