On Monday 1st July 2024 the Department of Education released a further report on the role of SNAs. This follows the publication of a report on the first ever national survey of SNAs, which was released at the beginning of June.

The report is the result of focus group interviews with over 250 school principals and deputy principals in Dublin, Carrick on Shannon, Navan, Waterford, Limerick and Athlone during January and February of this year.

It is clear from the report that those who participated in the focus group had huge respect and admiration for SNAs and their function within schools, acknowledging that “Our schools could not open tomorrow if there were no SNAs”.  The report also acknowledges that the SNA facilitates the student’s participation in class, whilst also recognising that SNAs can make a real difference in a child’s life. 

Speaking at the release of the report Minister Norma Foley T.D. said “There are almost 22,000 special needs assistants working with children with care needs in our schools. This report shows they are a vital part of our school community and provide important support to students and teachers. It is noteworthy that a majority of school leaders agreed that their school would not function properly without SNA support.”

Commenting on the report Fórsa assistant general secretary Shane Lambert said: “It is interesting to see that there are views expressed in this report that are shared with the union.  In particular the position in relation to the challenges of the SNA role, with 89% of respondents stating that the 72-hours were the greatest challenge.”

This report, along with other stakeholder feedback and reports, will contribute to the ongoing contract review discussions and support the evidence-based planning and policy making methodology the Department has adopted to deliver the SNA Workforce Development Plan.

The discussions on the SNA Workforce Development Plan are taking place under 5 pillars. They are:

•    Pillar 1 – Review and development of the SNA role - which will look at the role and duties of the SNA.

•    Pillar 2 – Establishing a Quality Assurance Framework to provide governance and oversight structures for the sector.

•    Pillar 3 – Establish a SNA Learning & Development Programme - to provide access to more appropriate, legitimate and convenient opportunities for upskilling and reskilling.

•    Pillar 4 - Supporting SNA Recruitment, Retention and Diversity - which will encompass a review of the SNA Employment Contract, establishment of a pilot redeployment scheme for SNAs and exploring diversity in the sector.

•    Pillar 5 – Devising a Communications Strategy - to ensure effective communication and collaboration with all stakeholders and promotion of the role as a career choice.

Speaking about the union’s role in these discussions, Shane said: “Fórsa has a staff member and an SNA representative attending the meetings of each of these Pillar Groups and we will continue to engage on behalf our members and raise their views.  It is important to note that the negotiations are being conducted as a package and on the basis that no single element is agreed until everything is agreed as a package, we will update members as and when it appropriate to do so.”

The full report can be read here.