Allocation of Special Needs Assistants

Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are recruited to assist in the care of pupils with disabilities in an educational context. They can be appointed to a special or mainstream school to assist that school in making suitable provision for a pupil with special care needs arising from a disability. SNAs may be allocated on a full or part time basis, and may be shared between named pupils for whom such support has been allocated (Department of Education Circular SP.ED 07/02).

Appendix 1 of Circular SP.ED 07/02 lists the duties of SNAs. These duties are of a non-teaching nature. The circular also states that pupils with a general learning disability “would not typically require the services of a Special Needs Assistant”. In the case of students with special educational needs who require additional academic support or input, Schools are advised to apply instead for resource teaching provisions.

The criteria for allocation of an SNA include

• significant medical needs for assistance
• significant impairment of a physical or sensory function
• behaviour which means the child is a danger to themselves or others

When applying for a Special Needs Assistant for a pupil, professional assessment and diagnosis of the child’s care needs is required, outlined in a report which describes the child’s special care need and gives a signed recommendation from the professional that the support of a SNA is necessary, and to what extent (full time, part time, mornings only, etc.). The decision made by the SENO regarding SNA support for a child can be appealed to the NCSE by the school and parents, provided new relevant information is provided that was not included with the original application.

Circular SP ED 07/02 gives information on the Role and Duties of a Special Needs Assistant. It can be accessed here