Dear Minister McHugh,
My child attends St. Thomas’ Junior National School in Esker, Lucan Co. Dublin. Our roll no. is 19542R.
I am writing to bring to your attention the dreadful decision to cut our SNA allocation for the school year 2019/2020. We currently have 10 SNA’s (6 full-time and 4 part-time). From September we will lose 3 part-time SNA’s. 2 full-time positions are also being cut to part-time ones. In contrast to this reduction, our enrolment is not reducing. Also we have many children presenting with significant medical and behavioural care needs, both currently on roll and in the new junior infant classes for September 19.
St. Thomas’ J.N.S. has an excellent reputation for supporting children and their families with SEN. The school is passionately committed to realising the full potential of every single child. Our dedicated SNA’s play a vital role in achieving our aims as a school.
We believe the effects of this large reduction will impact the entire school community in these ways:
- The children with SEN will not receive the same level of care and support other children with SEN have received this year and in the recent past. This is grossly unjust.
- The risks to health and safety for all increases.
- As a Parent I am anxious and concerned about my child’s safety and the quality of his/her learning.
- The level of learning support being offered in the school will be reduced due to resource teachers trying to compensate for reduction in SNA support.
This drastic cut has been appealed by the school as per NCSE guidelines.
I implore you, as the Minister for Education, to make representation on our behalf in this matter.
Yours sincerely,