Irish Teachers Union Condemns Removal of Assessment of Need Reports for Special Education Access
A decision to eliminate the requirement for professional Assessment of Need (AON) reports for children seeking placement in special classes or schools has sparked outrage from the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), raising concerns about transparency and the well-being of vulnerable students.
The Department of Children announced the forthcoming change, stating that the Department of Education and Youth will soon finalize a new process. However, the INTO has sharply criticized the move, alleging a complete lack of consultation with teachers or unions.
“Schools and teachers cannot continue to respond to a rolling cycle of ministerial pronouncements and initiatives while the necessary supports for children with special educational needs are still not where they need to be,” the union stated,demanding immediate engagement with the Department of Education and Youth.
The INTO has labeled the announcement “a profound breach of trust,” emphasizing the already significant strain on educators. According to a statement released by the union, teachers “cannot be expected to absorb further major system change, especially when announced through the media rather than formal channels of consultation.”
The AON process, established under the Disability Act 2005, currently falls under the purview of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Department of Children’s decision stems from observations that, in areas with limited disability services – including early intervention, therapy, and respite care – families are increasingly applying to all available services, including education, in an attempt to secure a diagnosis.
“In these circumstances,provision of education services is viewed by some,as being a driver for the AON process,with families seeking an AON to secure a diagnosis,” explained a spokesperson for Minister for Education and Youth Hildegard Naughton.The department intends to develop an “education-based and needs-led” eligibility process for specialist education settings, promising a child-centered approach and collaboration with all stakeholders.
The revised approach is slated to be presented to the Cabinet early in the new year, with the stated goal of alleviating pressure on AON waiting lists.
however, the INTO’s General Secretary, John Boyle, has accused the department of acting in “bad faith.” “Teachers were not consulted,briefed or even informed in advance of these proposals. That is bad faith, pure and simple,” Boyle asserted. He further argued that meaningful consultation is essential given the system’s history of “controversy and concern,” and condemned the use of vulnerable children as “political footballs” due to failures in providing timely assessments and therapeutic support.
The INTO plans to address the issue at the primary Education Forum tomorrow and will convene its Central Executive Committee in the coming days for a comprehensive review. This escalating dispute underscores the critical need for open communication and collaboration between the Department of Education and Youth and the educators tasked with implementing these vital changes.
Why did this happen? The Department of Children initiated the change due to increasing pressure on Assessment of Need (AON) waiting lists and a perceived trend of families seeking AONs primarily to access educational services, particularly in areas with limited disability support. they aim to create an education-focused eligibility process.
Who is involved? Key players include the Department of children, the Department of Education and Youth, the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), Minister for Education and Youth hildegard Naughton, the Health Service Executive (HSE), teachers, and families of