Back in August, Minister for Children Dr James Reilly pledged the provision of more support for children under five with special needs, and the Irish Government now looks set to deliver on that promise.
According to a report in the Irish Times this morning, the Government will today unveil a new plan allowing for kids with special needs to benefit more from the free preschool year.
While tens of thousands of children are eligible for the free preschool year, parents have been left frustrated and disappointed by the lack of training and provisions to make this possible for little ones with special needs. Under the new model, expected to be announced later today, from next September onwards mainstream schools will be able to apply for new supports to accommodate this.
Among the extra supports due to be available to mainstream schools are specialised staff training and further education courses, and grants for equipment and alterations to buildings.
According to this morning’s report, the Government expects around 7,500 children with special needs to benefit from the new provisions and subsequently be able to participate in the free preschool year going forward.
