*New SNA Allocations announced for 2020/21 – An end to fragmentation of SNA posts in mainstream classes*

Have a question? Contact the union HERE.

The Department of Education and Skills has announced the details of SNA allocations for the next school year, due to commence in September 2020.

Schools will have exactly the same number of posts in mainstream classes next year as they were allocated for the current school year. This means that there will be no redundancies or reductions in working hours for SNAs in mainstream classes for the next school year. This is a change from previous practice and results from the decision to proceed with the first element of the frontloading allocation system. SNA allocations in special education classes and special education schools will continue to be calculated as before.

Where schools believe an increase in SNA posts is required they can apply to the NCSE and can also utilise an appeal process with new posts being allocation on the basis of a 0.5 WTE (whole time equivalent) post or a full time post.

The Department of Education and Skills (DES) circular (available HERE)  makes clear that the role of the SNA is unchanged and states clearly that SNAs can only be directed to carryout work as set out in the national contract (as per the list of SNA duties in Circular 0030/2014).

Frontloading model

Fórsa's Head of Education Andy Pike said “We expected the department to delay full implementation of the frontloading model due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The guarantee against any SNA redundancies or cuts in hours within mainstream classes is welcome.

"However this is only one element of the proposed schools Inclusion model and we urge the department to recommence consultation on the many other elements as soon as our schools re-open.

"Fórsa welcomes the NCSE confirmation that all new or additional SNA posts allocated through the supplementary allocation process will be allocated to schools as either a 0.5 whole time equivalent  post or a full time post. This delivers a long held policy objective to end the practice of fragmenting SNA posts once and for all. This was a key feature of the frontloading proposal providing enhanced job security and security of hours and income for SNA members.

"There are still many unanswered questions on frontloading and the schools inclusion model, not least the rationale for seeking to implement measures for mainstream classes whilst ignoring the NCSE recommendations in respect of special schools and special classes,” he said.

Fórsa is now engaging with the DES on new posts and additional hours being allocated to existing SNAs on the basis of seniority for the next school year. Further details will be available once those discussions on the supplementary allocation circular have been concluded.

Have a question? Contact the union HERE.