Ministers Foley and Naughton publish Report on the National Survey of Special Needs Assistants
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 24 June 2024
- Last updated on: 24 March 2025
Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton have today published the Report on the National Survey of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs).
In preparation of the first ever SNA Workforce Development Plan, the Department of Education sought the views of the SNA workforce on matters relevant to their role.
The survey points to a SNA workforce which is well qualified and enjoys high levels of job satisfaction, but which is also stressed by their frontline role. The survey results generally indicate positive relationships between respondents and school staff, including principals, teachers, and other SNAs. However, almost half of the SNAs surveyed report that they do not receive any feedback on their performance.
Minister Foley said:
“As Minister for Education, I am thoroughly committed to working with all stakeholders to support the delivery of an education system that is inclusive, open and welcoming to everyone. Today’s publication of the report on this national survey of Special Needs Assistants is another significant step in the ongoing important work on the SNA workforce development plan. I am grateful to all of the SNAs who took the time to take part in the survey and thank them for the vital work they do to help children and young people with special educational needs every single day.”
Welcoming the report on the survey, Minister Naughton said:
“Providing the best school experience for children with special educational needs is a priority for me and Special Needs Assistants provide care and support which is key to their attendance and participation at school. Listening to SNAs is paramount to ensuring that the development of their role is fit for purpose and meets the needs of the children that they care for every day. I am particularly pleased to know that over one third of SNAs nationwide have engaged with the survey; this demonstrates their energy and insight when it comes to forward planning for the educational journeys of children with additional needs. I would like to thank SNAs for the time that they took out of their busy schedules to provide feedback to my department, and indeed for all that they do for our children across the country.
“Consultation with stakeholders will continue in the weeks and months ahead which, critically, will include engagement with students to ensure that the voice of the child is reflected in the development plan.”
The report presents analysis of key characteristics and trends of the SNAs workforce in recognised primary, post-primary and special schools across Ireland. The findings along with other stakeholder feedback will support evidence-based planning and policy making in this sector with a view to delivering an enhanced SNA service.
This year the Department of Education commenced work on the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan (the plan) with a scheduled completion date of September 2025. The data collected in the survey combined with stakeholder input will build insight on the SNA workforce and inform decision making on the SNA Workforce Development Plan.
The Report on the National Survey of the Special Needs Assistants can be accessed here:
Notes
The Department of Education has adopted a strategic approach to SNA policy development with the objective of developing an enhanced SNA service which delivers the best outcome for children with special education needs in our schools.
The department is currently developing the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan. Over the next two years this plan will introduce policy developments under the following five broad headings which will bring clarity and direction to the SNA service:
- 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
Overall, the plan will include consideration of how best school leaders, teachers and SNAs can work together to ensure that they are supported to provide the most effective service to children with significant care needs in our schools.
The plan will be developed in consultation and collaboration with stakeholders including school leaders, teachers and SNAs, giving all parties an opportunity to provide input and share views on the future development and direction of the SNA service.