UCD accredits SNA training
by Niall Shanahan
 
 Andy said the union learned last week that the university is asking the education department to offer the course as an accredited level seven programme.
Andy said the union learned last week that the university is asking the education department to offer the course as an accredited level seven programme.

Fórsa has welcomed the outcome of a UCD review, which says the national online training programme for special needs assistants (SNAs) meets the standards of a NFQ Level seven certificate.

 

Welcoming the decision, Fórsa’s head of Education Andy Pike described it as a milestone in the development of accredited training for SNAs, which takes them a step closer to the professionalisation of the SNA role.

 

The course is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of those who support the most vulnerable children within the education system, and a significant number of our members have embraced the opportunity to develop their own skills and professional practise.

 

Andy said the union learned last week that the university is asking the education department to offer the course as an accredited level seven programme.

 

“It’s a huge moment, not just for SNAs but for the future of the service and those who depend on it. Fórsa continues to campaign to increase the minimum essential qualifications for SNAs.

 

“This decision, which follows a commitment to consider accreditation by the minister Josepha Madigan last April, will be welcomed by our members,” he said.

 

The UCD school of education developed the programme for SNAs in, collaboration with the UCD school of nursing, midwifery and health systems, in partnership with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). It was funded by the education department.

 

In June, minister of state Josepha Madigan told members of the Oireachtas Education Committee that departmental officials were engaged in an intensive process with UCD to consider accreditation of the SNA course, and that she believed this process would be completed by the end of 2022.

 

In February this year, 500 SNAs graduated from the programme. This was the first group of students to successfully complete the certificate in inclusive school support. A second cohort of approximately 900 students have just completed it.

 

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