IMPACT has outlined proposals for tighter monitoring of JobBridge placements in classrooms after the union identified a “worrying and growing trend” of supplementing or replacing special needs assistant (SNA) posts with work experience placements.

In evidence submitted to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection last week, the union said it was aware of at least 100 cases of potential displacement of SNA posts through the JobBridge work experience scheme
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The union submission says only experienced SNAs can deliver maximum educational and social benefits to children with special needs. “IMPACT supports quality work experience programmes as a means of enhancing skills and providing a valuable first step into the world of work. However, some employers in the education sector are misusing JobBridge. Much greater care is needed in vetting the places on offer and ensuring that JobBridge is not used as a substitute for employment,” it said.

IMPACT has also called for a review of the educational and training requirements of new and existing SNAs, along with an exploration of the benefits of developing FETAC-level qualification requirements or an appropriate apprenticeship approach to improving and maintaining training standards in the role. The union wants a programme of continuous SNA professional development.

The Oireachtas submission also criticised the casualisation of the role of classroom-based SNAs and the practice of allocating portions of SNA posts to schools, rather than full-time SNAs.