The Government will defer the introduction of a new model for the allocation of Special Needs Assistants (SNA) in schools that was due to be implemented this coming September.
The 'School Inclusion Model' was expected to radically change the way SNA's were allocated to schools. It envisaged a set number of SNAs in a given school, based on a general profile of that school’s needs.
It meant that schools would no longer apply directly for SNA support for individual children. In a decision that was approved by the cabinet today, the Department of Education has deferred the roll out of the new model.
It said this is because of disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Briefings that were due to be given to school leaders and others have had to