The Department of Education has published their report on the first national survey of Special Needs Assistants. 

The survey received 13,400 responses from a workforce of 21,000 SNAs. 75% of respondents were employed by independent schools and 25% by ETB administered schools. 

The survey contains important data on SNA demographics such as age, gender and nationality as well as data on the location of SNAs by county. 94 % of respondents were women, while 36% were aged between 46-55. Over 82% work full-time. 73% of those who took part in the survey reported regularly attending training or courses related to their role.

70% of respondents to the survey stated that they had an academic qualification at QQI Level 6. Examples given included diplomas on a wide range of areas including special needs, childcare, family studies, montessori teaching, and social care studies, as well as nursery studies and community and youth studies. 

Significantly, the vast majority of respondents (80%) are in favour of the current minimum entry qualification being raised. 

Fórsa national secretary Andy Pike said: “We have long argued that the minimum SNA entry qualification should be QQI level 6. The results of this survey show that our claim was an accurate reflection of the existing educational achievement of SNAs.” 

Andy continued: "The responses to the survey provide valuable information about how SNAs feel their work should be valued, and the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. We will use the data in the survey to inform discussions currently taking place on the SNA Workforce Development Plan and National Contract."

You can read the report on the survey here.

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