The Department of Education has launched the first ever national Special Needs Assistant survey. The survey form can be accessed on the Department’s SNA Information Hub, you can access it here .

The survey is an important component of the development of the National SNA Workforce Development Plan and seeks to gather information on a range of issues including the current qualifications held by SNAs, access to training and development opportunities and other related matters. Fórsa was consulted on the questions asked.

The resulting data will be an important factor in developing the Workforce Plan which will cover issues such as the misuse of the 72 hours and June working, the rollout of a new minimum qualification and the negotiation of the new SNA contract.

We encourage all SNA members to take the time to complete the survey, your survey return will be anonymous and confidential.

The first meeting of the National Working Group on developing the role of the SNA is due to take place next Monday the 12th February. This will be the first formal face to face engagement on the Workforce Development Plan between Fórsa, the NCSE and Management Bodies on the development of proposals.

It follows the #RespectForSNAs campaign which successfully highlighted the need for fundamental changes to be made to the way our SNAs are seen, treated and respected in our schools.

Further updates will issue as the talks progress.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.