Fórsa has welcomed the publication this week of a new Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Workforce Development Plan and revised SNA contract, following two years of negotiations. 

The plan sets out a range of changes to the role, working conditions and professional development of Special Needs Assistants, and was announced by the Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton on Wednesday 3rd June, following approval by Cabinet. 

The union will now begin a nationwide consultation with 18,000 SNA members ahead of a ballot later this month on whether to accept or reject the proposals. 

 
The key elements of the SNAWDP are as follows: 

• A new Circular on the role of the SNA which accurately sets out the full range of supports provided by SNAs to students including in areas such as learning and development, emotional regulation and managing challenging behaviour. 
• A Redeployment Scheme for SNAs ensuring that if school allocations are reduced SNAs have the option of redeployment to a new school. 
• The replacement of the 72 hours with learning and development time which consists of a minimum 10 hours of self-directed learning and development time, and could reach a maximum of 36 hours per annum if the school organises more training. The school is responsible for paying for training, not the SNA. This training includes all mandatory training such as induction, health and safety, and child protection training courses. 
• SNAs can be asked to attend staff meetings and policy development meetings up to a maximum of 10 hours per annum, and SNAs can be asked to participate in student centred planning for a minimum of 10 hours per annum. 
• The minimal essential qualification will move to a relevant QQI Level 6 programme in stages, with serving SNAs being exempt from further study if they already have a Level 6 qualification, are close to retirement or have equivalent prior experience and expertise.  
• New guidance restricting the ability of schools to bring SNAs into schools in the month of June as attendance will be determined by the availability of appropriate work. 
• A commitment to develop SNA Posts of Responsibility to provide a proper career structure for SNAs. 
• Centralised Garda Vetting to be rolled out to make life easier for subs and SNAs changing schools. 
• New clear advice on how and when to used fixed term contracts of employment. 

The agreement also provides new protections for SNA posts. Under the revised arrangements, no more than one post can be declared surplus in any school, with redeployment supports in place for affected staff. 

Read more about the SNA Workforce Development Plan here.

The plan follows more than 50 meetings between Fórsa, the Department of Education and school management bodies over two years. The final document runs to over 140 pages and is based on research and consultation with SNAs, teachers and school leaders. 

Fórsa said that while the proposals do not meet all of the union’s objectives, they represent a firmer and more professional footing for SNAs. 

Fórsa’s head of Education Andy Pike said the plan marks an important step in recognising the role of SNAs in supporting students with additional needs. 

“The negotiations were long and detailed, but they have delivered a firmer, more professional footing for SNAs. A key improvement is the removal of the often misused 72-hour requirement and its replacement with structured time for training and development. 

“The new framework also recognises the role SNAs already play in student planning and support in schools every day. 

“These changes will improve stability for SNAs and strengthen support for students with additional needs. We will now begin a full consultation with members before holding a ballot on the proposals.” 

The launch of the Workforce Development Plan was widely reported in the media.

RTÉ’s Six One on Wednesday (3rd June) featured responses from Andy Pike and representatives of Fórsa’s SNA branches. Fórsa's response was also reported in the Irish Mirror, the Irish Examiner, The Irish Times, while Andy Pike spoke to Ciara Kelly on Newstalk's The Hard Shoulder. 

Andy urged members to read through all the available documentation and attend an information meeting ahead of the ballot. A list of meetings and resources explaining the SNA WDP are available here. 

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