Board of Education (R.O.I.)
Board of Education Meeting, November 2004
BOARD OF EDUCATION (R.I.)
15th November 2004
The Board of Education (RI), at its meeting on 15th November, welcomed the prompt action of the new Minster of Education & Science, Ms Mary Hanafin TD, in providing Special Needs Assistants to those schools who have not previously had such a resource but whose rolls include pupils with significant educational needs.
Concern was expressed regarding the inspection of those schools which already have such a vital service and the possible curtailment of the provision. This would impinge on educational opportunities to pupils and may also cause employment difficulties for some schools. Also, the discontinuity of services as a pupil transfer to second-level education continues to result in significant delays in pupils receiving supports in their second-level schools.
The Board, in common with the other education partners, looks forward to further clarity on the allocation of resources and will raise these issues with the Minister when a meeting is arranged.
The Board also noted the announcement by the Minister for Children of the proposed extension of the vetting procedure to all school personnel and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults. The checking of references and the use of effective interviewing will remain vital for the appointment of appropriate workers and volunteers. However, it may be a significant period before vetting is actually available.
The next meeting of the Board of Education (RI) will be 24th January 2005.